TANDISHOF 
TANDISH« 

DRAMAT7Z£D 


ANNIE  RUSSELL 


STANDISH  OF  STAND  fSH 

BY 
JANE  G.  AUSTIN 

DRAMATIZED  BY 

ANNIE  RUSSELL  MARBLE 


BOSTON  AND  NEW  YORK 

HOUGHTON  MIFFLIN  COMPANY 

THE  EIVERSIDE  PRESS  CAMBRIDGE 
1919 


COPYRIGHT,    1919,    BY   HOUGHTON    MIFFLIN   COMPANY 
ALL   RIGHTS    RESERVED 


rs 


INTRODUCTION 

IN  making  this  dramatization  of  the  novel  Standish 
of  Standish  the  writer  has  endeavored  to  maintain 
both  the  historical  atmosphere  and  the  significant 
traits  of  characters  as  portrayed  by  Mrs.  Austin. 
A  few  incidents,  from  the  many  in  the  story,  have 
been  chosen,  such  as  adapted  themselves  to  dramatic 
background  and  unity.  The  order  of  episodes  has 
sometimes  been  changed  without  destroying  the  his 
torical  sequence  and  minor  incidents  have  been  ex 
panded  in  scope  and  dialogue.  The  earlier  scenes  upon 
the  Mayflower  and  Clarke's  Island,  and  the  later 
chapters  which  relate  to  the  courtship  of  Barbara, 
the  second  wife  of  Miles  Standish,  have  been  omitted 
because  the  play  has  been  restricted  in  time  to  the 
months  between  December  20,  1620,  and  November, 
1621,  inclusive.  A  second  romance,  besides  that  of 
John  Alden  and  Priscilla,  has  been  emphasized  with 
imaginative  episodes  —  the  beginning  of  such  friend 
ship  between  Mary  Chilton  of  the  Mayflower  and 
John  Winslow,  who  came  in  the  Fortune  and  after 
wards  became  her  husband. 

Mrs.  Austin  has  portrayed  life  in  Plymouth  Colony 
during  this  first  year  with  a  vivid  revelation  of  hu 
manity's  experiences  —  tragic  illness,  death,  and  pri 
vations,  on  the  one  hand,  and  sturdy  courage,  faith, 
and  practical  achievement  on  the  other.  Moreover, 
the  life  was  not  all  dull  nor  prohibitive  of  passing 
pleasures  for  the  younger  members  of  the  colony. 


iv  INTRODUCTION 

Some  of  them  wore  clothes  with  brighter  touches  and 
cherished  a  few  heirlooms  of  silver,  lace,  and  embroid 
eries  brought  from  England  and  Holland.  With  force, 
Mrs.  Austin  has  indirectly  called  attention  to  the 
fact  that  the  Pilgrims  were  not  all  Puritans  in  thought 
or  demeanor.  Suggestions  for  costumes  are  given 
under  "Characters"  in  the  play,  founded  largely 
upon  the  authentic  statements  of  Mrs.  Alice  Morse 
Earle,  in  her  Two  Centuries  of  Costume  in  America 
(New  York,  1903),  and  other  accepted  volumes  of 
later  date. 

The  roles  of  hero  and  heroine,  in  the  story  and 
play,  are  taken  by  Miles  Standish  and  Priscilla 
Molines.  Mrs.  Austin  has  interpreted  the  "Captain 
of  Plymouth  "  as  a  man  of  noble  lineage  and  charac 
ter,  not  alone  strong  in  courage  and  resources,  but 
also  gentle  and  sympathetic.  He  is,  at  times,  irascible 
in  temper  and  sharp  of  tongue,  but  he  is  never  de 
picted  as  uncouth  or  blasphemous,  as  in  some  por 
trayals  by  other  writers.  His  affection  for  John  Alden, 
and  appreciation  of  the  sterling  worth  and  bravery  of 
the  younger  man,  give  a  strength  to  this  character, 
while  Priscilla's  wit  and  playfulness  react  upon  his 
shyness  in  clever  passages.  Priscilla  is  ardent,  keen, 
practical,  and  helpful.  Mary  Chilton's  character  has 
been  made  more  vivid  and  emphatic  in  the  play,  yet 
her  gentle,  reserved  English  traits  make  her  a  good 
foil  to  Priscilla.  Desire  Minter,  as  the  envious, 
troublesome  girl  of  the  colony,  is  a  reproduction  of 
her  part  in  the  story,  with  somewhat  exaggerated 
awkwardness  to  add  elements  of  comedy.  Mistress 
Brewster  and  Governor  Bradford  are  representatives 


INTRODUCTION 


of  more  formal  Puritanism.  Of  the  Indians,  only 
Squanto  appears  in  the  play,  and  he  is  given  a  few 
lines  of  welcome  that  are  traditionally  accredited  to 
Samoset. 

This  dramatization  is  intended  for  use  by  schools, 
women's  clubs,  and  other  organizations,  especially 
for  celebrating  the  tercentenary  of  Plymouth.  Stage 
directions  are  given  fully,  with  suggestions  for  cos 
tumes  and  setting  of  the  single  background  required 
for  the  three  acts. 

ANNIE  RUSSELL  MARBLE 

Worcester,  Mass. 
May,  1919 


SCENES 


ACT  I 

SCENE  1 

Interior  of  Log  Cabin  in  Plymouth,  Massachusetts, 
winter  of  1620-21.  "A  Letter  Home"  to  Fear  and  Patience 
Brewster;  Miles  and  Rose  Standish;  A  Visit  from  Squanto, 
the  Indian. 

SCENE  2 

Same  Interior;  spring  of  1621. 

The  Headless  Arrow;  Planting  Fish  with  Corn;  The 
Sword  of  Standish. 

ACT  II 

SCENE  1 

Same  Interior;  early  autumn,  1621. 
Letter- Writing  and  Love-Making  for  John  and  Priscilla 
Alden. 

SCENE  2 
Same  Interior;  autumn,  ten  days  later. 

"Why  Don't  You  Speak  for  Yourself,  John?"  The  First 
Thanksgiving. 

ACT  III 

SCENE  1 

Same  Interior;  three  weeks  later,  November,  1621. 
Indian  Summer;  A  Love  Philtre:  News  Brought  by  the 
Fortune. 

SCENE  2 

Same  Interior;  same  day,  fifteen  minutes  later. 
Indian  Threats;  A  Lover  for  Mary  Chilton;  "Troth- 
Plight  Friends." 


CHARACTERS 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  The  wife  of  Elder  Brewster 
is  a  sweet-faced,  kindly  woman  past  middle  life, 
slightly  lame.  She  is  sympathetic  with  the  longings 
of  youth,  but  she  remonstrates,  at  times,  at  "un 
seemly  mirth  or  levity."  She  may  be  dressed  in  dark- 
colored  gown,  with  full  skirts,  and  may  wear  a  plain, 
white  collar  which  reaches  to  her  shoulders,  a  close- 
fitting  black  "band"  of  silk,  pointed  on  the  forehead, 
and  above  this  a  loose  white  cap,  fastened  at  the  chin. 
A  shoulder  cape,  long,  may  be  worn  and  removed  on 
entrance. 

PRISCILLA  MOLINES.  She  is  a  gay,  witty  girl,  with 
bright  eyes  and  merry  voice;  she  has  frequent  changes 
of  moods.  She  may  be  brunette,  lithe  in  movements, 
with  curls  and  a  cap  on  the  top  of  her  head  worn 
jauntily.  She  should  be  able  to  sing  the  Luther  Hymn 
and  a  gay  French  air,  if  possible.  She  is  practical, 
quick,  and  deft,  and  devoted  to  Mistress  Brewster. 
She  may  wear  an  under-petticoat  of  some  bright 
color,  perhaps  brocaded,  and  outer  skirts  of  home 
spun,  a  stomacher  of  any  color,  high  in  neck  with 
full  sleeves,  a  narrow  apron  and  a  cloak,  like  a  cape, 
long  with  a  hood  in  brighter  colors. 

MARY  CHILTON.  She  is  a  fair-haired,  demure  girl 
with  Saxon  traits.  She  has  a  sad  expression  at  times, 
but  wakens  to  vivacity  under  the  influence  of  Pris- 
cilla.  She  may  wear  a  dull-colored  gown  with  full 
skirts,  a  plain  apron,  and  a  laced  bodice  with  a  white 


CHARACTERS  ix 


soft  collar,  like  a  fichu;  she  may  also  have  a  long  cape 
of  more  somber  tone  than  Priscilla's. 

ROSE  STANDISH.  She  is  the  young  wife  of  Miles 
Standish,  and  appears  only  in  Act  I,  Scene  1.  She  is 
frail,  pale  and  gentle,  proud  of  her  husband,  and 
brave  in  spirit  in  spite  of  her  fatal  illness.  As  she  lies 
upon  the  couch  (or  settle)  she  could  wear  any  dress 
of  the  period,  not  necessarily  of  dark  color. 1 

DESIRE  MINTER.  She  is  a  fat,  awkward  girl,  with 
crude  manners,  dull,  and  causing  situations  of  com 
edy  by  her  blunders;  she  is  jealous  of  Priscilla,  vain, 
and  revengeful.  She  may  wear  clothes  that  are  ill- 
fitting,  unkempt,  with  hair  that  is  untidy,  but  tied 
with  bright  ribbons.  A  gown  of  mixed  colors  with 
short,  Dutch  waist  and  overskirts  would  add  to  her 
awkward  figure. 

MILES  STANDISH.  His  character  is  that  of  a  brave, 
dignified  man  who  inspires  confidence;  he  is  gentle 
in  manners  to  Mistress  Brewster  and  to  his  wife.  He 
is  irascible  in  temper,  sensitive  to  a  fault,  and  speaks 
impulsively.  He  is  not  tall,  stout  in  build,  military  in 
bearing.  His  suit  may  be  a  doublet  and  hose  of  any 
dark  color,  preferably  brown;  he  may  wear  a  leathern 
jerkin,  if  desired,  and  a  long  cloak  over  his  shoulder, 
with  a  flat  hat.  He  sometimes  places  his  sword  in  his 
belt. 

WILLIAM  BRADFORD.  He  is  a  man  of  about  thirty, 
with  a  manner  of  breeding  and  a  creed  of  formal 

1  Suggestions  for  costumes  are  in  Two  Centuries  of  Costume  in 
America  by  Alice  Morse  Earle  (New  York,  1903),  and  other  books 
at  Art  Museums;  also  in  paintings  of  The  Embarkation,  Depar 
ture  and  Landing  of  the  Pilgrims  by  Lucy,  Weir,  and  Sargent. 


CHARACTERS 


words.  He  is  mild  in  expression,  gentle  yet  firm  in  his 
judgments.  In  Act  II  he  may  wear  white  ruffs  and 
collar  over  his  leathern  jerkin,  and  a  long  cloak  or 
cape  with  purple  lining.  He  could  wear  a  hat  of  black 
beaver  with  narrow  rim. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  His  character  blends  youthful  shy 
ness  with  manly  vigor  and  courage.  He  is  tall,  hand 
some,  awkward  with  Priscilla,  yet  with  frequent 
signs  of  dignity  and  serious  grace.  He  would  wear 
the  doublet  and  hose  of  brown  or  gray. 

JOHN  ROWLAND.  He  is  the  clerk  of  the  colony, 
young,  with  dark  hair  and  muscular  frame.  He  wears 
a  stiff  collar  of  white,  perhaps  laced,  over  his  doublet. 

SQUANTO.  Tisquantum,  or  Squanto,  was  not  a 
chief,  but  a  survivor  of  the  tribe  of  Indians  that  lived 
at  Patuxet  (Plymouth)  and  were  exterminated  by 
a  plague  two  years  before  the  Pilgrims  came.  He  is 
friendly,  ready  to  help  the  settlers,  yet  jealous  of 
other  Indian  friends.  He  is  always  anxious  to  eat 
and  drink.  He  would  wear  an  Indian  costume,  but 
not  that  of  a  chief. 


STANDISH  OF  STANDISH 
DRAMATIZED 


ACT  I 

SCENE  1 

SCENE  :  Plymouth,  latter  part  of  winter  of  1620-21.  In- 
terior  of  log  cabin,  ELDER  BREWSTER'S  home,  on  First 
Street,  leading  from  Plymouth  Rock  uphill  to  Fort.  This 
interior  is  of  rough  timbers  or  any  plain  background.  At 
rear,  right,  is  a  fireplace  with  iron  hooks  on  which  hang 
kettles  and  pots;  large  logs  of  wood  are  in  fireplace, 
burning,  if  possible.  Pegs  on  the  wall,  from  which  are 
suspended  muskets,  capes,  and  a  warming  pan  with 
cover;  also  a  sword  rests  on  two  pegs  above  a  rude  shelf. 
A  door  is  at  left,  and  beyond  this,  against  wall,  is  an 
old  chest  with  brass  hinges.  At  the  left  center  is  a  spin 
ning-wheel,  with  a  stool  beside  it;  in  center  is  rough 
table  with  two  stools  beside  it;  towards  rear,  right,  is  a 
settle  or  couch  made  of  rough  boards,  and  with  coverings 
of  homespun  and  skins  of  animals.  A  cupboard  hangs 
above  the  fireplace  or  adjacent  to  it.  A  straight  armchair 
(similar  to  ELDER  BREWSTER'S  chair  in  Pilgrim  Hall, 
Plymouth)  is  at  right  near  table.  When  curtain  lifts, 
MISTRESS  BREWSTER  is  seated  in  armchair,  knitting 
a  sock  and  leaning  forward  to  speak  to  JOHN  ROWLAND 
who  sits  on  a  stool  beside  the  table,  holding  in  one  hand 
a  quill,  which  he  dips  into  an  ink-horn;  a  large  sheet  of 
paper  is  on  the  table  before  him;  a  large  Bible,  with 


2  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

clasps,  is  also  on  table.  MISTRESS  ROSE  STANDISH 
is  reclining  on  the  couch,  her  hands  under  her  head; 
she  looks  at  the  fire  with  a  sad,  wistful  smile.  MARY 
CHILTON  is  seated  at  the  spinning-wheel,  drawing  the 
thread  through  the  spindle. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (dropping  the  sock  in  her  lap 
and  raising  her  spectacles  upon  her  forehead,  as  she 
bends  closer  to  table).  Surely,  John  Rowland,  we  must 
finish  this  letter  to  my  dear  daughters,  Fear  and 
Patience  Brewster,  before  the  departure  of  the  May 
flower.  Hast  heard  when  Captain  Jones  will  sail? 

JOHN  ROWLAND  (holding  the  quill  above  the  paper 
and  shaking  his  head).  Nay,  Mistress,  the  sailing-day 
is  not  yet  fixed,  but  the  Governor  reckons  it  will  be 
as  soon  as  tide  and  weather  are  favorable. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (turning  towards  MARY 
CHILTON,  who  listens,  holding  thread).  The  Elder  saith 
that  Master  Jones  was  ready  to  give  a  free  passage 
home  to  such  as  would  take  it,  if  the  men  would 
help  to  handle  the  ship  and  the  women  cook  and 
minister  to  such  as  are  ailing. 

MARY  CHILTON  (with  lift  of  her  head  and  a  brave 
smile).  And  Governor  Carver  said,  "I  have  come  here 
to  live  and  to  die."  When  the  Captain  took  a  vote  of 
the  men,  saying,  "All  of  ye  are  free  to  accept  this 
offer  without  reproach,"  not  one  would  take  passage 
for  the  old  home,  but  all  would  abide  here  and  trust 
in  God  to  sustain  us. 

JOHN  ROWLAND  (nodding  towards  MISTRESS  BREW 
STER).  Aye,  and  Elder  Brewster  answered  well, 
"  Cursed  be  he  who  having  put  his  hand  to  the  plough 
turneth  back." 


SCENE  i]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  3 

ROSE  STANDISH  (rising  upon  the  couch,  in  a  gentle 
voice  says:)  And  Miles,  like  a  true  soldier  answered, 
"Our  trumpeter  has  not  been  taught  to  sound  the 
retreat." 

MARY  CHILTON  (brushing  away  a  tear  and  smiling  at 
ROSE)  .  None  of  us  would  return  save  Desire  Minter, 
who  complains  because  she  has  no  butcher's  meat, 
nor  milk,  nor  so  much  as  a  huckster's  shop  where  she 
may  choose  a  riband  or  a  stay-lace.  Priscilla  said  of  a 
truth,  "Our  fathers  and  mothers  came  hither  with 
their  lives  in  their  hands  to  do  a  work;  their  lives  were 
paid  down  and  we  who  remain,  simple  maids  though 
we  be,  are  in  a  manner  bound  to  carry  on  that  work  " 
—  and  (looking  out  of  the  door  sadly)  their  graves  are 
here  on  yonder  hillside. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Nobly  thought  and  said  by 
you,  Mary,  and  by  Priscilla;  and  Captain  Jones  told 
the  Elder  he'd  "fain  have  a  prayer  or  two  just  for 
luck";  methinks  he  and  his  crew  have  need  of  such. 
But  to  the  letter  —  what  was  writ  already,  John  ? 

JOHN  ROWLAND  (holding  up  sheet  of  paper  and 
reading  slowly  and  with  hesitation).  "So  Monday 
broke  with  fair  and  gracious  skies,  after  that  first 
cold,  stormy  Sabbath  on  the  island,  called  Clarke's, 
by  the  master's  mate  of  the  same  name,  who  stepped 
first  ashore  and  claimed  it  in  the  name  of  King  James. 
Our  goodmen  would  fain  explore  the  land-locked 
harbor  which  was  before  them  for  they  saw  cleared 
fields  and  a  pleasant  hillside  beyond  —  " 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (dictating  to  JOHN,  who 
writes  while  ROSE  and  MARY  listen).  And  as  they 
approached  the  shore  Governor  Carver  said,  "It 


4  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH.       [ACT  i 

seemeth  to  me  that  this  place  were  fairly  laid  down 
on  John  Smith's  map  which  we  have  studied";  and 
Master  Winslow  answered,  "Aye,  I  believe  it  is  the 
place  he  hath  called  Plymouth  after  our  English 
town;  't  is  a  better  harbor  than  English  Plymouth 
can  boast."  (She  pauses  as  JOHN'S  quill  scratches 
slowly.) 

ROSE  STANDISH.  Aye,  and  tell  how  when  they 
brought  the  shallop  up  to  the  beach,  John  Rowland 
saw  the  great  rock  which  we  all  used  as  a  stepping- 
stone,  and  jumping  upon  it,  shouted,  "I  seize  this 
mainland  for  King  James";  be  sure  you  write  that, 
John.  (She  is  seized  with  a  severe  attack  of  coughing  and 
lies  down  on  couch.) 

MARY  C HILTON  (rising  from  spinning-wheel  and 
sitting  down  beside  ROSE,  raising  her  head  a  little, 
laughs  gently,  as  the  cough  ceases  and  says) :  Aye,  John, 
and  also  tell  how  Stephen  Hopkins  counseled  you, 
"Jump,  then,  John,  but  see  you  jump  not  five  fath 
oms  deep,  as  you  did  in  mid-ocean  and  wast  saved 
by  a  miracle." 

(ROSE  and  MISTRESS  BREWSTER  smile  and  JOHN 
turns  towards  MARY  with  a  shake  of  his  head  and 
a  teasing  smile.) 

JOHN  ROWLAND.  Indeed,  Mistress  Mary,  miracle 
is  a  new  name  for  Gilbert  Winslow  who  chanced  to 
save  me  when  I  fell  overboard;  methought  he  was 
only  a  humble  squire  ready  to  serve  the  dames  at  all 
times,  especially  Mistress  Mary  (with  a  bow),  as  he 
did  when  he  purveyed  wood  and  water  for  the  first 
washing-day  on  yonder  shore  where  the  Mayflower 
first  dropped  anchor. 


SCENE  i]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  5 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (touching  JOHN'S  arm  and 
pointing  to  the  paper).  Nay,  John,  less  of  levity  and 
more  of  the  letter;  write,  "And  Bradford  heard  the 
tinkle  of  water  and  found  there  was  a  fair  spring  with 
delicate  water  running  from  the  hillside  above  — " 

ROSE  STANDISH  (rising  upon  her  elbow  and  speak 
ing  to  MARY  who  sits  on  floor  beside  couch).  And't  was 
Miles  said  "yonder  hill  was  a  little  Gibraltar  ready  to 
our  hand;  that  if  the  salvages  approach,  our  guns 
could  meet  them  — " 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (as  JOHN  writes,  bending  low 
over  the  paper).  And  tell  my  girls  we  were  indeed 
favored  to  find  here  blackberry  briers  and  sassafras 
whose  roots  are  worth  their  weight  in  gold  to  chirur- 
geons  and  strawberry  vines  and  plum  trees  —  But, 
alas,  you  must  also  say,  what  will  bring  grief  to  their 
hearts,  that  when  the  men  returned  from  this  expe 
dition  poor  Dorothy  Bradford  was  no  longer  found 
upon  the  Mayflower;  on  the  very  day  of  her  husband's 
departure  she  had  gone  on  deck,  when  the  rest  of  the 
company  were  at  supper,  and  had  never  been  seen 
again;  a  terrible  blow  it  was  to  her  poor  husband  - 
for  she  had  lamented  sore  the  parting  with  her  little 
boy  who  had  been  left  behind  in  England,  and  she 
had  been  even  asking  for  a  grave  in  the  wilderness, 
for  she  reproached  Bradford  that  he  had  taken  her 
away  from  her  mother  and  child  and  all  that  she  held 
most  dear,  away  to  the  cold,  gray  seas  and  rocks. 
The  Elder  could  scarcely  bring  comfort  to  her  nor 
to  her  husband  on  his  return  —  (She  pauses  and  wipes 
away  a  tear  and  MARY  moves  towards  door;  she  leans 
against  the  door-post  amd  looks  out  sadly.) 


6  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

MARY  CHILTON.  Will  this  cold,  sad  winter  ever 
end!  Truly  my  eyes  ache  with  unshed  tears,  staring 
at  snow  and  nothingness. 

(Sounds  of  singing  are  heard  —  any  gay  air;  words 
of  such  a  French  song  found  at  beginning  of 
Act  II:  Sc.  2.} 

(Enter  PBISCILLA,  throwing  back  her  hood  and,  seizing 
MARY  by  the  shoulders  and  holding  back  her  head,  with 
laughing  tone,  says) :  Well,  there's  a  trifle  this  side  of 
nothingness  on  the  beach  this  moment.  Men  call  it 
Gilbert  Winslow. 

JOHN  ROWLAND  (rising,  with  a  laugh,  from  the 
table,  takes  down  hat  from  peg  on  wall).  I'll  join  him; 
wilt  come,  Mistress  Mary?  (To  MISTRESS  BREW- 
STER.)  Letter-writing  is  too  serious  business  to  fit  the 
mood  of  these  wenches. 

PRISCILLA  (looking  at  him  merrily  and  mockingly). 
Perchance  thou'lt  find  Elizabeth  Tilley  more  sedate 
company  for  your  Worship.  (ROWLAND  goes  out.) 

MARY  (sitting  down  at  spinning-wheel,  but  holding 
PRISCILLA'S  hand,  as  MADAM  BREWSTER  moves  chair 
nearer  fire  and  folds  her  hands  and  closes  her  eyes}. 
Hush,  Priscilla;  thou  knowest  I  care  for  no  man  save 
my  father  who  is  under  the  sod.  And  Mistress  White 
says  that  we  two  talk  folly  and  are  over-light  in  our 
carriage  and  conversation. 

PRISCILLA  (tossing  her  head,  takes  off  her  cape  and 
stands  behind  MISTRESS  BREWSTER'S  chair  and  lov 
ingly  touches  her  head).  Mistress  White,  indeed!  As 
thou  sayest,  Mary,  mine  eyes  ache  with  gazing 
upon  nothingness  and  my  tongue  aches  with  speaking 
nought  but  wisdom.  Am  I  not  become  a  sedate  dame, 


SCENE  i]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  7 

\ 

good  mother?   (To  MISTRESS  BREWSTEK.)   Master 

Allerton  would  even  make  me  stepmother  to  his  well- 
grown  daughters  and  roguish  boy  —  but  nay,  nay  — 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (smiling  at  PRISCILLA  and 
stroking  her  hand).  It  is  out  of  nature  for  young  maids 
to  be  as  staid  as  their  elders. 

PRISCILLA  (gently  kissing  her  forehead).  Dear  mother 
to  us  all! 

MARY  (beginning  to  spin  and  turning  towards  PRIS 
CILLA).  You  and  yours  are  French,  Priscilla,  and  I 
am  all  English  like  my  forbears;  so  thou  may'st  well 
be  lighter-hearted  than  I  am.  I  mean  no  harm,  dear. 

PRISCILLA  (tapping  MARY'S  cheek  lightly,  gathers 
up  papers  and  ink-horn  from  table,  puts  them  in  cup 
board).  No  harm  is  done,  dear  mother  in  Israel.  (Leans 
over  couch.)  And  how  does  dear  Mistress  Rose  to-day? 
May  it  please  you  if  I  cook  you  some  tasty  bit  since 
I  am  ever  cooking?  (Puts  more  wood  on  fire.  ROSE 
nods  and  smiles.) 

MARY  (turning  from  wheel  towards  PRISCILLA). 
Dost  thou  really  like  cooking,  Priscilla;  or  would 
tempt  us  with  dainties,  wonderful  from  such  scanty 
store  of  foods  as  remain  to  us?  How  Desire  Minter 
smacked  her  lips  yestere'en  over  the  manchet  which 
you  made  for  Mistress  Carver! 

PRISCILLA.  Desire  is  a  greedy  wench.  Aye,  my 
mother  and  grandmother  and  aunts  were  notable 
cooks.  They  say  my  grandmother's  pates  and  ra 
gouts  and  conserves  were  famous  all  through  Lyons, 
where  my  grandfather  and  his  father  before  him  were 
great  silk  manufacturers  with  plenty  of  men  and 
maids  and  money  at  their  command. 


8  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (with  a  smile,  but  shaking  her 
finger  at  PRISCILLA).  Ah,  Priscilla.  Thou  'rt  hankering 
after  the  flesh-pots.  Remember  Lot's  wife! 

PRISCILLA  (laughing  and  moving  towards  fireplace) . 
Lot's  wife  spoiled  all  her  cookery  with  salt  and  I'll 
at  least  distil  none  from  my  own  eyes.  (She  takes  a 
bucket  from  a  peg  near  fireplace  and  moves  towards  door, 
looking  out.}  How  shall  I  call  Robert  Carter  to  bring 
a  fresh  bucket  of  water  from  the  spring  for  my 
cooking? 

MARY  (bending  over  her  spinning-wheel,  but  smiling} . 
Thou  canst  beckon  to  John  Alden,  if  he  is  coming,  as 
methinks  from  the  sounds  of  a  voice  outside.  Robert 
Carter  was  thy  father's  servant,  but  John  Alden  is 
thine  own  and  ever  waiting  thy  command. 

(PRISCILLA  moves  from  door  and  stands  beside 
MARY,  as  JOHN  ALDEN  and  MILES  STANDISH 
enter  in  conversation.) 

MILES  STANDISH.  Peter  Browne  and  John  Goodman 
have  gone  to  cut  thatch  in  the  fields  nigh  yon  little 
pond,  and  Browne  has  taken  his  dog,  Nero,  along  to 
give  account  of  any  Indians  that  may  be  lurking  there 
—  and  Goodman  has  taken  his  spaniel  to  rouse  the 
game  for  Nero  to  pull  down.  (He  goes  to  couch  and 
leans  over  ROSE.)  And  how  doth  Mistress  Rose? 
(Strokes  her  hand  and  turns  towards  MISTRESS  BREW 
STER.)  She  is  hardly  strong'  enough,  I  fear,  for  these 
shrewd  winds  and  rough  adventures. 

(JOHN  ALDEN  stands  talking  to  PRISCILLA,  who 
smiles  at  him  archly  and  holds  the  bucket,  and 
MARY  spins.) 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  There's  more  than  one  in 


SCENE  1]      STAN  DISH  OF  STANDISH  9 

our  company,  I  fear  me,  that  has  adventured  beyond 
their  strength,  but  Rose  has  a  brave  spirit. 

(MILES  talks  with  ROSE  and  takes  off  his  outer 

cloak.} 

PRISCILLA  (to  ALDEN).  I  needs  must  have  fresh 
water  to  brew  my  porridge  and  soup. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (shyly  as  he  takes  the  bucket).  An  onion 
soup,  Mistress  Priscilla? 

PRISCILLA  (laughing).  Aye,  Master  Alden,  an 
onion  soup;  'twill  make  thine  mouth  and  thine  eyes 
water.  (She  moves  towards  table  and  takes  up  wooden 
bowl.  ALDEN  stands  by  door,  putting  on  hat  and  watch 
ing  PRISCILLA.) 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (rising  with  difficulty  from 
chair).  Well,  dear  maid,  I  must  help  get  the  noon- 
meat  ready.  Dame  Carver  would  fain  have  some 
porridge  and  I  will  make  it. 

(MARY  rises  from  wheel  and  assists  MADAM  BREW 
STER,  but  PRISCILLA  comes  to  her  from  door, 
puts  arm  about  her,  and  moves  to  center.) 
PRISCILLA.  Nay,  dear  mother,  why  should  you  do 
aught  with  three  great  girls  standing  idle  before  you? 
Go  and  rest  on  your  couch.  I  will  make  the  porridge 
and  soup  while  Mary  —  and  Desire,  if  she  is  about  — 
will  lay  the  table. 

(MISTRESS  BREWSTER  ''goes  out,  with  PRISCILLA 
and  MARY  on  either  side,  and  JOHN  ALDEN 
follows;  MILES  takes  down  a  musket  from  the 
wall  and  examines  it.) 
ROSE  (rising  on  couch).  Miles! 

^/ MILES  (hastens  towards  ROSE,  placing  musket  on 
the  table).  Aye,  sweetheart,  here  am  I. 


10  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

ROSE.  I  was  dreaming  last  night,  Miles,  that  our 
cousin  Barbara  was  making  a  sallet,  and  I  was  fain  to 
taste  it;  it  looked  so  cool  and  fresh  —  and  then  I 
wakened.  I  would  well  like  some  sallet,  Miles. 

MILES  (leaning  over  the  couch  and  smiling  sadly).  I 
will  go  soon  and  look  for  herbs,  Rose,  and  Priscilla 
will  make  a  sallet  for  thee,  I  know,  sweetheart.  I 
marked  some  sorrel  at  Dame  Hopkins's  yestere'en, 
albeit  somewhat  sere  and  dry. 

ROSE  (rising  a  little  and  drawing  MILES  towards  her; 
he  stands  beside  the  couch  and  strokes  her  hands).  I  was 
dreaming,  too,  of  home,  mine  own  home.  I  was  gath 
ering  cowslips  in  the  meadow  and  the  mother  stood 
by  and  rilled  my  pinafore  with  the  cowslips  —  soft, 
cool,  wet  cowslips;  I  feel  them  in  my  hand  now,  so 
cool,  so  wet  —  Miles,  I  fain  would  have  those  cow 
slips.  (She  tries  to  rise  and  falls  back  exhausted;  MILES 
bends  and  soothes  her  and  turns  his  head  away  with 
sadness.) 

MILES.  Child!  Child!  Thou 'It  break  my  heart.  Try 
to  sleep  a  little,  dear  one.  I  will  say  to  thee  one  of 
those  old  Manx  ballads  thou  didst  use  to  lilt  so  lightly. 

ROSE.  Nay,  Mistress  White  says  they  are  ungodly 
and  a  snare  of  Satan. 

MILES  (angrily).  A  pest  on  Mistress  White  and  her 
cant!  (Then  sadly  looking  at  ROSE.)  And  yet  I  care 
not,  so  thou  wilt  get  strong  and  well  again,  my  Rose. 

ROSE.  Miles,  dost  think  that  Barbara  will  come 
hither?  She  promised  me  surefast  that  she  would,  so 
soon  as  there  was  a  company  ready.  Will  she  come, 
think  you,  Miles?  (She  rises  and  looks  at  MILES,  who 
has  moved  towards  table.) 


SCENE  i]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  11 

MILES.  Like  enow,  sweetheart.  Barbara  mostly 
carries  out  what  she  promises. 

(MILES  pours  some  wine  from  a  flask  in  the  cup 
board  into  a  goblet  and  gives  it  to  ROSE,  smooth 
ing  her  hair  and  looking  at  her  tenderly  as  she 
drinks.) 

ROSE.  And  thou  'It  be  very,  very  good  to  thy  cousin. 
Miles.  'T  was  she  who  told  me  that  thou  hast  a  stately 
home  in  England,  that  thou  wert  a  noble  soul  and  a 
brave  soldier  —  but,  forsooth,  I  loved  thee  before  she 
ever  praised  thee.  'T  was  she  who  first  saw  that  thou 
lov'st  me  and  she  came  and  wept  for  joy  upon  my 
neck.  (ROSE  coughs  and  pants  for  breath.) 

MILES  (gently  placing  her  on  the  couch).  Peace,  peace, 
dear  child.  Thou  wastest  thy  strength  in  talking 
overmuch.  Surely  both  of  us  will  be  good  to  our  kins 
woman.  Sleep  a  little  now,  dear  heart.  (He  covers  her 
with  skin  and  stirs  the  fire.) 

(PmsciLLA  and  MARY  enter  with  a  kettle  of  soup, 
followed  by  JOHN  ALDEN  with  a  bucket  of  water 
and  flagon.  They  place  the  kettle  on  hook  in 
fireplace.) 

(DESIRE  MINTER,  with  hair  flying  and  wild  looks, 
enters;  she  has  four  wooden  bowls  in  her  hands; 
she  stumbles  at  the  door  and  the  bowls  roll  over 
the  floor;  PRISCILLA  and  MARY  pick  them  up, 
laughing.) 

DESIRE  (in  a  voice  that  is  almost  a  scream).  The 
Indians!  The  Indians  are  upon  us!  I  saw  their  leader 
coming  over  yonder  hill.  (She  rushes  towards  MILES, 
who  pushes  her  aside,  but  takes  up  his  musket.) 

MILES  (to  PRISCILLA.)  What  means  the  wench?  Is 


12  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

she  dreaming  or  has  she  wild  fancies  as  she  had  with 
the  fever? 

(Outside  is  heard  a  woman's  voice,  coarse  and  shrill, 
saying:)  "Thou  foul  beast,  I  say,  begone!  Avaunt!" 
(Voice comes  nearer  and  louder:)  "Nay,  grin  not  at  me, 
thou  devil  straight  from  Hell.  Wait  till  I  fetch  a 
bucket  of  boiling  water  to  throw  over  thee." 

(All  listen  amazed  and  move  towards  door;  ROSE 

rises  and  sits  on  edge  of  couch;  MILES  and 

ALDEN  take  down  muskets  and  examine  them.) 

MILES  (to  ALDEN).  What  means  such  unseemly 

brawling?  It  is  the  voice  of  Goodwife  Billington,  who 

is  always  scolding  and,  were  her  husband  not  here, 

though  unable  to  control  her,  she  would  well  be 

placed  in  the  stocks  —  but  (glancing  in  amazement 

at  the  door)  —  What  means  this? 

(SQUANTO  enters  with  fringes  of  buckskin  and  beads, 
feathers  in  his  long,  black  hair;  he  has  a  bow  and 
arrow  and  a  hatchet  at  his  belt;  he  grins  in  the 
doorway,  then  enters  and  goes  towards  MILES.) 
SQUANTO  (with  glance  at  all).  Welcome,  Englishmen! 
(Outside  is  heard  a  drum  beating,  without  any 
tune,  but  in  haste,  and  BRADFORD  enters  with 
quick  steps,  moves  towards  MILES  and  ALDEN 
and  points  towards  the  Indian.) 
BRADFORD.  Look  to  your  side-arms,  men.  He  may 
mean  treachery. 

SQUANTO  (smiling  at  BRADFORD  and  MILES).  I, 
Tisquantum.  I,  friend  of  Englishmen.  I  come  to  say 
welcome. 

BRADFORD.  Truly,  't  is  a  marvel  to  hear  the 
heathen  speak  in  our  own  tongue. 


SCENE  i]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  13 

SQUANTO  (pointing  outside  door).  This  place  Pa- 
tuxet.  Tisquantum  live  here  many  moons  ago.  (Looks  " 
at  flagon  on  table  and  then  at  PRISCILLA,  who,  with 
MARY  and  DESIRE,  are  standing  in  background  near 
fire-place.)  Indian  like  beer.  Much  talk  make  throat 
dry  like  summer.  (All  laugh.) 

MILES.  Thou  'rt  right,  man,  and  though  thy  skin 's 
tawny,  thy  inside  is  very  like  a  white  man's;  John 
Alden,  find  our  friend  wherewith  to  fill  his  dry  brook- 
bed  of  a  throat.  Methinks  the  Elder  will  permit  us  to 
use  some  of  his  Mistress's  brewing  for  our  visitor. 
(ALDEN  and  PRISCILLA  take  from  cupboard  a 
case  with  two  bottles.  ALDEN  fills  a  flagon  and 
PRISCILLA  takes  a  leg  of  a  duck  and  a  'piece 
of  sea-biscuit  from  cupboard  and  places  them 
on  a  pewter  plate;  SQUANTO  seizes  the  flagon, 
drinks  hastily,  smacks  his  lips,  looks  for  more; 
then  grabs  the  leg  of  duck  from  the  plate  held 
towards  him  by  PRISCILLA,  and  begins  to  tear 
off  the  meat;  he  stops  to  grin  at  DESIRE,  who 
squeals   in  fright   and   tries   to    hide    behind 
PRISCILLA:  as  the  latter  looks  away,  DESIRE 
steals  a  piece  of  the  biscuit  and  slinks  away 
by  the  fireplace;  MARY  goes  to  couch  and  sits 
down,  with  arm  about  ROSE,  and  they  watch 
DESIRE  and  SQUANTO  with  amusement.) 
BRADFORD  (to  SQUANTO).  What  became  of  the  In 
dians  who  lived  in  this  place  which  you  call  (hesitat 
ingly)  Patuxet  —  we  call  it  New  Plymouth? 

(BRADFORD  sits  in  armchair  and  holds  out  hands 

towards  fire.) 
SQUANTO  (speaking  with  difficulty,  because  of  food 


14  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

crowded  into  his  mouth).  All  Indians  died  of  plague; 
Tisquantum  only  alive;  he  go  to  England  by  ship, 
live  there  for  two  moons,  more;  come  back  to  Samo- 
set,  big  chief  yonder.  Samoset  chief  of  Monhegan  — 
nearer  to  the  sunset  than  this  place,  Patuxet. 

(SQUANTO  takes  up  empty  flagon  and  holds  it  out 
towards  ALDEN,  who  refills  it  and  he  drinks 
again  with  smacking  lips.) 

BRADFORD  (to  ALDEN).  Leave  not  the  case-bottle 
within  the  reach  of  the  salvage.  Enough  will  loosen 
his  tongue,  but  a  little  more  will  bind  it.  (To  MILES, 
who  has  taken  down  his  sword  and  is  watched  closely 
by  SQUANTO.)  Do  you  not  perceive,  Miles,  and  all  of 
you,  friends  (with  a  look  about  the  room),  that  this 
man  may  be  an  instrument,  shaped  and  fitted  to  our 
hands  by  the  Providence  of  God,  who  hath  also  sent 
His  plague  to  sweep  away  the  inhabitants  of  this 
spot  whither  He  would  lead  His  chosen  people? 

MILES  (with  a  shrug).  Pity  but  the  salvages  had 
known  the  plague  was  sent  by  Providence  for  such 
purpose.  'T  would  have  converted  them  out  of  hand. 
(PRISCILLA  and  JOHN  ALDEN  laugh;  JOHN  HOW- 
LAND  enters,  stands  amazed;  SQUANTO  takes 
out  hatchet  from  his  belt  and  grins  again  at 
DESIRE,  who  shivers  and  squeals  and  runs  to 
JOHN   ROWLAND  for  protection;  ROSE  falls 
back  on  couch  and  PRISCILLA  runs  to  her  with 
wine  in  a  goblet.) 

SQUANTO  (looking  ctf  BRADFORD).  Tisquantum  come 
ask  white  man  to  send  for  talk  with  sachem  and  to 
make  trade  with  white  men  and  Indians. 
BRADFORD  (looking  relieved  at  MILES  and  ALDEN). 


SCENE  i]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  15 

Aye,  shall  we  not  send  Winslow  as  envoy  to  his 
sachem  to  arrange  for  a  conference?  Methinks  the 
Governor  will  so  decide. 

MILES  (handling  his  sword).  Nay,  I  claim  the  post 
of  danger  if  there  be  danger.  It  is  the  right  of  my 
office  as  Captain. 

ALDEN  and  ROWLAND  (bowing  their  heads').  Aye, 
Captain  Standish  is  right. 

BRADFORD  (shaking  his  head).  Not  so,  Captain; 
your  duty  is  to  right  us  in  a  quarrel;  Winslow's  is  for 
counsel  to  keep  us  out  of  a  quarrel.  Furthermore,  we 
need  your  protection  here,  should  an  attack  be  made 
upon  the  settlement. 

ROSE.  Go  not,  Miles,  I  prithee,  unless  they  need 
thee.  Let  Winslow  go  and  stay  thou  here,  if  so  it  be 
wise  —  (She  pants  and  MILES  goes  to  her  side.) 

MILES  (to  BRADFORD).  I  submit  and  my  good  will 
go  with  the  ambassador;  but  if  his  skill  at  keeping 
the  peace  fails,  then  the  work  will  be  mine.  (He  looks 
at  ROSE,  whispers  to  MARY  who  is  bending  over  ROSE 
(with  closed  eyes)  motions  to  BRADFORD  and  towards 
the  door.) 

BRADFORD.  John  Howland,  you  will  take  Ti- 
squantum  to  the  loft  of  Stephen  Hopkins  for  the 
night;  we  will  consult  with  Governor  Carver  on  this 
matter. 

SQUANTO  (trying  to  drink  from  empty  flagon  and 
shaking  his  head).  No  more  fire-water  for  poor  In 
dian! 

(JOHN  ROWLAND  approaches  SQUANTO,  takes 
from  his  own  pocket  two  sheath  knives  and  a 
copper  chain  with  a  glass  pendant,  beckons 


16  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

towards  door  and  holds  out  gifts;  they  move 
towards  door;  PRISCILLA  and  MARY  whisper 
and  laugh;  PRISCILLA,  at  fireplace,  fills  pewter 
porringer  with  soup  for  ROSE.) 
MARY  (to  JOHN  ALDEN,  as  he  passes  couch).  Priscilla 
bade  me  tell  thee  to  keep  an  eye  upon  the  Governor's 
loving-cup  lest  this  wild  man  might  steal  it. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (laughing).  Nay,  he  has  no  pockets 
to  hide  it  in;  still  I  will  have  an  eye  to  it,  for  we  have 
none  so  much  silver  in  the  colony  that  we  should  be 
willing  to  spare  it. 

BRADFORD  (getting  up  from  armchair  and  moving 
towards  door  with  JOHN  ALDEN).  We  will  send  small 
gifts  to  his  sachem  and  he  may  return  with  skins  of 
beaver  and  marten  for  trade  with  us. 

PRISCILLA  (bending  over  ROSE  with  porringer  and 
looking  archly  at  JOHN).  Could  they  not  fetch  a  few 
ermine  and  miniver  skins  while  they  are  there?  Me- 
thinks,  in  this  wilderness,  we  women  might  at  least 
solace  ourselves  with  the  show  of  royalty,  sith  we  are 
too  far  away  from  the  throne  to  have  our  rights  dis 
puted! 

(MARY  and  DESIRE  place  plates  and  bowls  on 
table;  MILES  sits  on  stool  by  table  and  polishes 
his  sword-blade.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  a  playful,  tender  look  at  PRIS 
CILLA,  as  he  stands  at  door).  Who  knows  but  that  we 
may  form  a  new  kingdom  here  in  the  New  World? 
And  where  should  we  find  a  fitter  sovereign  than 
Queen  Priscilla? 

CURTAIN 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  17 


SCENE  2 

SCENE:  spring  of  1621.  Interior  of  log  cabin,  home  of 
ELDER  BREWSTER  at  Plymouth,  same  as  Scene  1.  In 
background  is  DESIRE  MINTER,  sitting  by  fire-place, 
polishing  a  pewter  dish  and  watching  PRISCILLA  and 
MARY.  She  is  clumsy  in  her  movements  and  often  rubs 
the  polish  of  sand  and  ashes  mixed  with  oil  on  her 
hands  and  face  and  eyes;  she  makes  up  faces  and  tries 
to  wipe  of  the  polish  with  her  apron;  she  mutters,  with 
surly  looks  at  PRISCILLA.  In  the  foreground  is  PRIS 
CILLA,  standing  with  her  arm  about  MARY,  who  is 
crying  with  her  head  on  PRISCILLA'S  shoulder. 

PRISCILLA  (lifting  MARY'S  face  and  smiling  at  her) . 
Nay,  then,  nay,  then,  no  more  crying,  poppet! 
Didst  thou  not  cry  half  the  night  in  spite  of  all  I 
could  say? 

MARY  (wiping  her  eyes  on  apron  and  trying  to 
move  away).  But  how  can  I  be  gay,  and  father  and 
mother  both  dead  and  I  so  weak  and  ailing  —  and 
alone! 

PRISCILLA  (soberly,  with  arm  about  MARY'S  shoulder 
as  they  approach  the  table).  But,  Mary,  I  have  lost 
more  than  that  —  father,  mother,  brother  —  I  'm 
more  grieved  for  thee  than  I  can  tell,  dear  Mary;  but 
still  I  find  that  to  busy  one's  self  in  many  ways,  and 
to  put  on  as  light-hearted  a  look  as  one  can  master, 
is  a  help  to  grief.  See  now  poor  Elizabeth  Tilley!  She 
hath  cried  herself  ill  and  must  tarry  in  bed.  Is  it  not 
better  to  keep  afoot  and  be  of  use  to  others? 

MARY  (disconsolately  and  moving  dishes  on  table). 
Aye,  I  suppose  so. 


18  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

PRISCILLA.  Well,  then,  you  lay  the  table  while  7 
try  if  the  fowl  be  boiled.  Oh,  if  we  had  but  some 
turnip  or  a  cabbage,  or  aught  besides  beans  to  eat 
with  it.  (She  tests  fowl  in  kettle  in  fireplace,  pushing 
DESIRE  aside  gently;  DESIRE  makes  up  face  behind 
PRISCILLA.) 

MARY  (with  animation).  Canst  not  make  a  sauce  of 
biscuit  crumbs  and  onion  and  a  drop  of  oil  as  thou 
didst  for  the  birds? 

PRISCILLA  (laughing).  Sauce  for  birds  is  not  sauce 
for  man  —  and  boiled  duck  —  but  if  thou  'It  be  good 
and  cry  no  more,  I'll  toss  thee  up  a  dainty  bit  for 
thyself.  (She  leaves  the  duck  in  the  kettle  and  takes  up 
wooden  bowl  and  spoon  from  cupboard.) 

DESIRE.  And  for  me,  too? 

PRISCILLA  (laughing  and  mocking).  And  thee,  too! 
But,  Desire,  dost  know  the  Indians  are  upon  us,  and 
they'll  no  doubt  eat  thee  first  of  all,  for  thou'rt  both 
fat  and  tender,  and  will  prove  a  dainty  bit  thyself, 
I  doubt  not.  (PRISCILLA  goes  out  and  MARY  laughs.) 

DESIRE  (pouting  and  dropping  her  platter  with  a 
bang).  Dost  mark,  Mary,  how  Priscilla  will  ever  flout 
me? 

MARY  (sitting  down  in  armchair  and  leaning  her 
head  on  hand).  Nay,  child,  'tis  but  her  way.  She  is 
full  of  merry  quips. 

DESIRE  (coming  to  table  and  pounding  upon  it  with 
anger).  She  needs  beware  how  she  makes  quips  at  me; 
is  there  none  other  maid  in  Plymouth  that  is  fit  to 
marry  that  she  should  flaunt  herself  before  the  men 
from  the  doughty  Captain  to  Gilbert  Winslow  and 
John  Rowland?  (DESIRE'S  face  is  smeared  with  a 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  19 

dark  polish  and  her  hair  is  ruffled;  she  takes  from  her 
pocket  a  bit  of  glass  and  holds  it  in  front  of  her  face, 
trying  to  wipe  off  the  soil  with  moisture  from  her 
mouth  on  her  fingers.) 

MARY  (with  annoyance).  Peace,  Desire.  You  are 
in  a  frenzy  from  jealousy.  Priscilla  is  as  good  as  she 
is  witty  and  would  ne'er  harm  man  or  child.  Well 
mayst  thou  be  ashamed ! 

DESIRE  (shaking  her  head  with  anger  and  taking  a 
bit  of  faded  riband  from  her  pocket  which  she  tries  to  fas 
ten  in  her  untidy  hair).  Nay,  but  I'll  not  be  ashamed. 
She  mocks  the  Captain  and  she  mocks  John  Alden, 
but,  forsooth,  she  will  keep  them  both  ever  at  her 
heels.  I  have  liked  the  Captain  well  and  since  his  wife, 
Rose,  is  dead  and  buried  weeks  agone,  he  hath  shown 
me  that  he  would  fain  ask  me  for  wife  did  not  Pris 
cilla  Molines  woo  him  so  desperately. 

MARY  (rising  in  anger  and  shaking  DESIRE  by  the 
shoulder).  Child,  cease  such  words  of  insult  or  I  will 
report  thee  to  the  Elder!  How  dare  one  Christian 
woman  speak  thus  of  another? 

DESIRE  (pulling  away  from  MARY  in  anger).  Well, 
why  should  not  Captain  Standish  marry  me  as  well 
as  another? 

MARY  (with  withering  scorn  as  she  sits  down  at 
spinning-wheel).  Why  not,  if  it  pleaseth  him?  I  for 
bid  not  the  banns. 

(DESIRE  goes  to  the  chest,  takes  out  a  piece  of 
riband  stealthily,  hides  it  in  the  warming  pan, 
and  sits  down  on  the  chest.) 

(JOHN  ROWLAND  enters  hastily  with  muskets  and 
bullets  in  hand.) 


20  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH         [ACT  i 

JOHN  ROWLAND  (to  MARY).  Where  is  Captain 
Standish?  Dost  know,  Mistress  Mary?  I  have  searched 
the  settlement  for  him  in  vain. 

MARY.  He  and  Francis  Cooke  went  a-field  so  soon 
as  they  had  done  breakfast  and,  as  they  carried  their 
axes  and  wedges  in  hand,  it  would  seem  they  have 
gone  to  rive  timber. 

(DESIRE  has  approached  JOHN  ROWLAND  and 
stands  beside  him;  he  turns  suddenly  and  sees 
her,  smirking  at  him;  he  shudders  and  moves 
towards  door.) 

JOHN  ROWLAND.  Aye,  like  enow;  but  as  'tis  near 
noon,  when  they  will  be  home  for  meat,  we  will  e  'en 
wait  for  the  Captain's  counsel  and  meanwhile  see 
that  all  arms  are  in  readiness.  (He  moves  stool  close  to 
the  spinning-wheel  and  polishes  his  musket,  placing 
his  hat  on  floor;  DESIRE  pouts  and  waits  by  table;  then 
suddenly  she  screeches.) 

DESIRE.  Are  the  Indians  upon  us? 

JOHN  ROWLAND  (ignoring  DESIRE  and  speaking  to 
MARY).  I  have  heard  ill  news  this  morning.  Peter 
Browne  returned  in  haste  from  the  pond  where  he 
had  been  a-fowling  and  told  of  a  strange  sight  which 
came  before  his  eyes.  While  he  was  waiting  for  the 
ducks  to  swim  his  way,  he  saw  twelve  stout  salvages 
all  painted  and  trimmed  up,  carrying  bows  and 
arrows  and  every  man  his  little  axe  at  his  girdle. 
Each  glided  after  each,  like  shadows  upon  the  water, 
so  still  and  smooth,  and  they  seemed  making  for  the 
settlement. 

(DESIRE  screams  and  covers  her  head  with  her 
apron  and  falls  upon  the  couch.) 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  21 

DESIRE  (moaning  and  sobbing).  Oh,  they  will  kill 
us  all  in  this  terrible  wilderness;  why  did  we  not  re 
turn  in  the  Mayflower? 

(PRISCILLA  enters  with  a  bunch  of  may  flowers  in  one 
hand  and  a  wooden  bowl  in  the  other,  laughing.) 

PRISCILLA  (to  DESIRE).  Probably  because  some  of 
us  had  more  courage  than  thou  hast,  poor  Desire. 
(To  JOHN  ROWLAND.)  What  old  wives'  tales  art  thou 
using  now,  John  Rowland,  to  frighten  these  maids 
withal? 

(PRISCILLA  puts  flowers  in  a  goblet  and  places 

them  on  table.) 

MARY.  Nay,  Priscilla,  cease  thy  jesting;  it  is  se 
rious   business   that   John   Rowland   is  relating  — 
how  Peter  Browne  saw  twelve  salvages  beyond  the 
pond  where  he  was  a-fowling  and  they  seemed  to  be 
stealthily  moving  hither. 

JOHN  ROWLAND.  Aye,  and,  as  he  bent  his  ear,  he 
caught  the  echo  of  their  terrible  war-cry. 

(DESIRE  covers  head  with  apron  again  and  sobs 

on  couch.) 

PRISCILLA  (looking  out  at  the  door).  Where,  then, 

is  Captain  Standish?  This  is  matter  for  his  action. 

(DESIRE  rises  hastily  and  pushes  angrily  past 

PRISCILLA,  at  door.) 

DESIRE  (turning  to  PRISCILLA)  .  And  thou  dost  not 
always  ken  where  is  the  Captain,  albeit  thou  hast 
him  bewitched  when  he  is  with  thee?  (With  scorn, 
she  goes  out  at  door.) 

PRISCILLA  (flushing  and  with  angry  eyes,  looking  af 
ter  DESIRE).  What  means  she,  Mary,  by  such  a  flout? 


22  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH         [ACT  I 

MARY.  She  is  crazed  with  fear  and  homesickness; 
the  fever  hath  left  her  poor  head  empty  of  sense. 

PKISCILLA  (laughing  and  moving  to  fireplace  and 
kettle).  Aye,  more  empty  than  her  stomach;  she  will 
eat  up  all  the  tasty  bits  that  I  cook  for  Dame  Carver 
if  she  be  not  watched.  But  I  must  try  if  the  fowl  be 
tender  and  ready  for  the  Captain's  dinner. 

(Enter  MILES  STANDISH  with  his  axe,  wipes  his  fore 
head;  JOHN  ROWLAND  rises,  still  cleaning  his  musket.) 

MILES  (to  ROWLAND).  The  Governor  hath  been 
telling  of  Peter  Browne's  adventure  or  his  recital  of  it. 
Perchance  it  is  overdone  by  his  fear,  but  it  's  sure  to 
come.'soon  or  late,  and  a  peace  won  by  arms  is  stronger 
than  one  framed  of  words.  When  the  salvages  have 
made  their  onset,  and  we  have  chastised  them  roundly, 
we  shall  be  right  good  friends.  Meantime,  Francis 
Cooke  and  I  left  our  adzes  and  wedges  where  we  were 
hewing  plank,  and  so  soon  as  I  have  taken  sup,  I'll 
forth  to  look  for  them  with  my  snap-hance. 

(PRISCILLA  takes  up  fowl  on  plate,  puts  on  biscuits, 

and  MARY  pours  out  flagon  of  beer  and  places 

it  on  table  as  MILES  sits  down.) 

PRISCILLA  (with  a  smile  and  nudge  to  MARY).  We've 

heard  of  locking  the  stable  when  the  steed  was  stolen. 

(BRADFORD  and  SQUANTO  enter;  the  former  has 

a  hoe  in  his  hand  and  takes  off  his  hat,  wiping 

his  brow;  SQUANTO  has  some  small  fish  in  his 

hand  and  MARY  and  PRISCILLA  come  close  and 

examine  fish.) 

BRADFORD  (to  MILES).  Didst  thou  ever  hear,  then, 
of  planting  fish  along  with  corn? 


SCENE  2]      STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  23 

MILES  (eating  with  knife  and  spoon).  Nay,  didst 
thou? 

BRADFORD  (leaning  on  his  hoe).  Squanto  hath  been 
telling  the  men  how  corn  should  be  planted  when  the 
oak  leaves  are  as  large  as  a  mouse's  ear.  Naturally 
the  salvage  knoweth  somewhat  of  the  place  and  its 
customs,  seeing  that  he  hath  lived  here,  and  still  it 
irks  me  to  see  a  salvage  giving  lessons  to  his  white 
masters. 

MILES.  But  doth  he  aver  that  his  people  were  used 
to  plant  fish  with  corn? 

BRADFORD  (sitting  down  on  stool  at  table).  Aye,  and 
he  went  down  to  the  brook  yestere'en  and  set  some 
manner  of  snare,  and  this  morning  hath  taken  a  peck 
or  so  of  little  fish,  for  all  the  world  like  a  Dutch 
herring,  only  bigger,  and  of  these  he  says  two  must 
go  into  every  hill  of  corn;  that  is,  of  corn  of  theirs, 
Indian  corn,  which  we  have  bought  —  for  of  wheat 
or  rye  or  barley  he  knoweth  nothing. 

SQUANTO  (coming  towards  MILES,  who  examines 
the  fish).  Land  hungry;  corn  here  many  years. 

BRADFORD  (with  a  superior  air).  Fancy  the  salvage 
calling  the  land  hungry  as  if  she  were  alive.  Yet  what 
saith  Virgil  ?  "  She  is  the  vigorous  mother  of  all  outward 
life  and  when  she  dieth  the  end  of  all  things  comes." 
(BRADFORD  has  a  dreamy  look  and  does  not  notice 
as  MADAM  BREWSTER  enters  with  a  cane; 
PRISCILLA  sees  her  and  hurries  forward  and 
MARY  moves  the  armchair  for  her  near  the  fire 
place;  DESIRE  slinks  in  at  door  and  starts  at 
sight  of  SQUANTO  and  the  fish,  but  hides  near 
the  cupboard.  In  passing  the  table  she  snatches 


24  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

a  piece  of  fowl  from  the  plate  of  MILES,  who 
has  risen  and  stands  with  back  to  table.) 
MILES  (to  BRADFORD).  A  pest  on  thy  dreaming  and 
bookish  fancies !  Dost  thou  agree  to  putting  fish  to 
decay  amid  the  corn  we  are  to  eat  by  and  by? 

(JOHN  ROWLAND,   who  has  been  talking  with 
PRISCILLA,  is  pushed  forward  gently  by  her  and 
advances  to  BRADFORD  and  MILES  at  table.) 
JOHN  ROWLAND.  We  are  to  live  by  what  we  reap, 
not  by  what  we  plant.  It  striketh  my  fancy  that  the 
man  who  hath  raised  and  eaten  his  bread  on  this  spot 
for  many  a  year  is  like  to  know  better  how  to  do  it 
than  we  who  have  just  come.  But  what  matter  as  to 
my  opinion?  (With  some  annoyance.) 

SQUANTO.  Tisquantum  get  more  corn  for  white 
men.  (Looks  longingly  at  pitcher  and  flagon.)  Drink 
for  dry  throat,  Master  Captain? 

MILES  (laughing.)  Aye,  Priscilla  will  give  thee  a 
drop  for  that  dry  throat. 

(PRISCILLA  pours  out  drink  and  SQUANTO  gulps 
it  down;  she  motions  to  DESIRE  to  clear  away 
table  and  MARY  assists;  MILES  takes  down  his 
sword  and  examines  its  blade.  SQUANTO  looks 
askance  at  the  sword  and  stealthily  goes  out; 
DESIRE  takes  a  bit  of  biscuit  and  eats  with 
gravy.) 

BRADFORD.  Then,  John  Rowland,  tell  Stephen 
Hopkins  that  it  were  well  to  follow  the  native  custom 
in  these  matters,  at  least  for  the  first.  I  would  that  I 
could  go  a-field  and  do  my  share  of  the  work  (rising 
with  difficulty).  Still  the  rheumatics  in  my  huckle-bone 
bids  me  hug  the  fire.  'T  is  woundy  hot  on  that  hill- 


SCENE  2]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  25 

side.  I've  known  July  cooler  thanfthis  April.  'T  was 
on  such  a  day  of  last  week  that  Governor  Carver  fell 
at  his  planting  and  died  in  the  night.  (He  moves  to 
wards  door.) 

(MADAM  BREWSTER  is  winding  some  yarn  and 
PRISCILLA  sits  on  floor  beside  her,  holding  the 
yarn.) 

MADAM  BREWSTER.  Aye,  and  his  wife  had  begged 
him  not  to  go  a-field,  for  it  was  cruelly  hot  and  he 
was  overborne  with  toil  already.  But  he  answered, 
"Nay,  I  were  indeed  unfit  for  the  leader  of  the  breth 
ren  could  I  send  them  forth  to  labor  that  I  counted 
too  heavy  for  myself." 

MILES.  He  had  ever  said,  from  the  day  we  landed 
on  the  Clarke's  Island,  that  he  would  be  only  the 
Moses  to  lead  us  and  look  upon  the  Promised  Land, 
but  that  Bradford  should  be  the  Joshua  who  should 
make  the  people  dwell  in  safety  therein. 

(As  BRADFORD  is  approaching  the  door,  following 
JOHN  HOWLAND,  JOHN  ALDEN  enters  in  excite 
ment,  with  a  headless  arrow  in  his  hand.) 
JOHN  ALDEN  (coming  towards  MILES,  who  sits  on 
stool  at  table,  polishing  his  sword).   Francis   Cooke 
hath  found  this  headless  arrow  when  he  returned  to 
the  tree  where  you  would  have  felled  timber;  your 
tools  were  gone  and  this  arrow  was  in  a  cleft  of  the 
log. 

(BRADFORD  returns  to  room  and  ROWLAND  passes 

out.) 

MILES  (rising  and  looking  keenly  at  the  arrow).  Hm! 
A  cartel  of  defiance!  Well,'t  is  like  our  salvage  fore 
fathers  of  Britain  challenging  Julius  Ceesar  and  the 


26  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

Roman  power.  (He  handles  his  sword  with  care.}  Here 
may  be  work  for  my  Gideon. 

BRADFORD.  John  Alden,  it  were  well  for  you  to  call 
the  men  for  a  council  to-night.  All  the  men,  mark  you. 
We  name  you  as  sheriff. 

PRISCILLA  (laughing,  as  she  sits  winding  yarn).  But 
none  of  the  women,  mark  you,  John. 

MARY  (at  cupboard  where  she  is  arranging  dishes). 
Nay,  Priscilla,  who  ever  heard  of  women  clamoring 
to  be  heard  among  men  in  council  ? 

(JOHN  ALDEN  goes  out,  followed  by  BRADFORD.) 

PRISCILLA  (to  MILES).  Is  Gideon  the  name  of  your 
sword,  Captain? 

MILES.  Aye,  I  have  christened  it  so;  but  me- 
thinks,  like  other  converts,  he  finds  the  new  name 
sits  uneasily  at  times,  and  would  fain  use  the  old 
one. 

PRISCILLA.  And  what  might  that  be? 

MILES.  Ah,  that  is  what  no  man  alive  can  tell.  He 
who  forged  it  of  that  rare  metal  which  now  and  again 
falls  from  the  skies,  and  he  who  first  wielded  and 
named  it,  have  lain  in  the  dust  well-nigh  a  thousand 
years,  if  old  tales  be  true. 

MARY  and  PRISCILLA  (with  amazement}.  A  thousand 
years? 

MISTRESS  BRE-WSTER  (leaning  forward  to  look  at 
sword).  But  what  is  its  history  —  if  you  will  tell  it, 
Captain  Standish? 

MILES.  It  would  be  too  long  a  tale  to  tell  it  all.  It 
belonged  to  an  old  armorer  in  Ghent,  for  whom  I  did 
some  service  in  protecting  his  daughter,  and  the  old 
man  was  more  grateful  than  need  be  and  came  one 


SCENE  «]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  27 

night  to  my  lodgings,  bringing  this  sword  wrapped 
in  his  mantle  as  a  gift  to  me. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Perchance  the  sword  will 
have  another  tale  to  tell  before  many  days  if  the  re 
port  of  salvages  lurking  about  be  true.  Prithee,  say 
on,  Captain. 

(PRISCILLA  takes  the  yarn  to  the  spinning-wheel 
and  winds  it  there,  at  the  same  time  listening; 
MARY  takes  a  sock  from  her  pocket  and  knits, 
and  DESIRE  sits  idle  by  the  fireplace  swinging 
her  feet  and  body,) 

MILES.  This  old  armorer  of  Ghent  told  me  how,  as 
a  young  man,  full  of  lustihood,  he  went  out  to  fight 
the  Turks  and  was  a  prisoner;  a  lady  in  the  castle 
loved  him,  but  he  loved  her  not,  having  a  sweetheart 
at  home. 

DESIRE  (pouting).  'T  is  ever  thus  with  women; 
they  give  their  love  and  it  is  scorned. 

(PRISCILLA  looks  at  MARY  and  they  smile.) 

MADAM   BREWSTER  (with    surprise  and  pain,  to 

DESIRE).  Hush,  child!  Such  remarks  are  not  seemly. 

(JOHN  ALDEN  enters,  wipes  his  brow  with  large 

handkerchief  from  his  pocket,  would  speak,  but 

pauses  as  he  sees  MILES  is  about  to  speak.) 

MILES.  The  lady  had  a  noble  heart  and  set  him  free, 

giving  him  not  alone  a  purse  of  gold,  but  also  this 

sword  which  she  averred  had  been  captured  from  the 

Persian  people  hundreds  of  years  before. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Said  you  not  once  it  was  a  charmed 
sword,  Captain? 

MILES.  Aye,  she  said  there  was  a  charm  upon  it 
that  whoever  should  carry  it  would  be  invincible 


38  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  i 

and  scatheless.  She,  poor  maid,  with  tears  and  smiles 
gave  it  to  him  who  loved  her  not  and  he,  for  very 
ruth,  gave  her  a  tender  kiss,  and  they  parted. 

(PRISCILLA  comes  to  MILES  and  examines  the 
sword  and  glances  at  JOHN  ALDEN  as  he  stands 
beside  her;  MARY  wipes  away  a  tear;  DESIRE 
whispers  and  smiles.) 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Aye,  I  pity  the  maid.  But 
she  was  overbold  to  give  her  love  before  it  was  asked. 

PRISCILLA.  What  mean  these  outlandish  signs  and 
marks  upon  the  blade? 

MILES.  Pastor  Robinson  told  me  of  an  ancient 
scholar  in  Amsterdam  whom  I  found  with  skin  as 
yellow  as  his  parchments;  he  told  me  there  was  on 
this  blade  what  would  keep  me  from  harm  if  I  would 
but  make  it  mine  own.  But  I  concern  myself  but 
little  with  such  matters,  having  found  my  own  right 
arm  enough  to  keep  my  head  and  the  grace  of  God 
better  than  any  heathen  charm.  (He  rises  and  holds 
sword  lovingly.)  I  like  better  to  call  it  mine  Gideon. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Well  spoken,  Captain.  Gid 
eon  was,  like  thee,  a  mighty  soldier.  If  thou  hast  to 
lead  our  men  against  the  salvages  it  will  be  "with 
the  sword  of  the  Lord  and  of  Gideon,"  and  we  shall 
be  protected. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (to  MILES).  Would  it  be  well  to  warn 
Goodwife  Billington  that  she  may  have  the  Common 
House  redded  for  our  council  to-night? 

MILES.  Well  thought  on,  John.  I'll  tell  Rowland 
to  take  her  the  message.  (He  hangs  sword  on  peg,  takes 
his  hat  and  goes  out.) 

PRISCILLA  (taking  a  bucket  from  the  Jireplace  and 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  29 

calling  JOHN  ALDEN,  as  he  would  go  out  the  door}.  John, 
you  had  better  take  this  bucket;  you  or  John  How- 
land  must  needs  lay  a  hand  to  the  redding;  best 
bring  up  two  or  three  buckets  of  sand  from  the  beach, 
and  when  yon  slattern  hath  done  her  best,  spill  you 
the  sand  over  all  and  so  hide  her  shortcomings.  (All 
laugh.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  'T  is  good  advice,  Mistress  Pris- 
cilla,  as  thine  ever  is.  (He  bows  and  PRISCILLA  makes 
a  curtsy  to  him  and  MARY  claps  her  hands;  MISTRESS 
BREWSTER  shakes  her  head  and  yet  she  smiles  in  a 
kindly  way.) 

CURTAIN 


ACT  II 

SCENE  1 

SCENE:  same  as  Act  I.  TIME:  early  autumn  of  1621 
JOHN  ALDEN  is  standing  in  doorway  of  room,  with 
hat  in  hand  and  PRISCILLA  is  mixing  some  food  at  table 
in  a  wooden  bowl;  she  stops  at  times  to  toss  her  head  and 
then  stirs  with  more  vigor;  suddenly  she  turns  and  sees 
JOHN  ALDEN,  laughs,  beckons  to  him,  and  he  enters 
with  a  smile  and  comes  to  table;  she  puts  down  her 
bowl,  goes  to  cupboard  and  takes  down  ink-horn  and 
paper  and  places  it  on  table. 

PRISCILLA.  The  Captain  saith  thou'rt  a  ready 
writer. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  soft  tones).  Can  I  do  aught  for 
thee,  Priscilla? 

PRISCILLA  (stirring  her  food  and  slowly  approaching 
the  fireplace) .  Mayhap. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (moving  towards  her  and  being  waved 
aside,  as  she  fills  an  iron  kettle  with  the  food  and  hangs 
it  on  the  crane).  And  what  is  it,  maid?  Well  thou 
knowest  it  is  more  than  a  joy  for  me  to  do  thy  bidding. 

PRISCILLA  (in  a  teasing  way).  I  know  not  what 
feeling  more  than  joy  can  be  unless  haply  it  topple 
over  t'other  side  and  become  woe,  and  I  would  loth 
to  breed  thee  woe. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (shaking  his  head  and  sitting  down  at 
table).  What  is  thy  wish,  Priscilla?  Tell  me  what  my 
pen  can  do  for  thee? 

PRISCILLA  (laughing  and  coming  towards  the  table). 


SCENE  i]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  31 

Thy  pen !  Then  't  is  not  thy  heart  or  thy  hand  that 
is  at  my  service  —  only  thy  pen. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (trying  to  take  her  hand  and  at  last 
seizing  if).  Oh,  sweetheart,  thou  knowest  only  too 
well  that  hand  and  heart  and  all  I  have  are  thine,  if 
thou  wilt  but  take  them. 

PRISCILLA  (pulling  her  hand  away  and  sitting  down 
on  stool  opposite  JOHN).  Nay,  John,  thou  must  not 
speak  so,  nor  touch  my  hand  until  I  give  it  thee  of 
mine  own  free  will  — 

JOHN  ALDEN  (interrupting  and  smiling).  Until! 
Dost  thou  mean  that  sometime  thou  wilt  give  it? 

PRISCILLA  (taking  a  sock  out  of  her  pocket  and  be 
ginning  to  knit).  Come,  now  Master  Alden.  I  am 
ready. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  I  would  thou  wert  ready,  Priscilla. 
To  whom  shall  I  address  the  letter.  (He  takes  his 
quill  and  dips  it  in  ink.) 

PRISCILLA  (with  sly  glance).  Methinks  I  would  first 
put  time  and  place  at  the  head  of  the  sheet.  So  I 
have  noted  that  letters  are  begun. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (writing  slowly).  Aye,  well,  then,  here 
it  is.  And  what  next,  Mistress  Priscilla? 

PRISCILLA.  Next,  Master  John,  thou  mayst  set 
down,  "My  well-beloved." 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  surprise  and  resentment).  Well, 
who  is  thy  well-beloved? 

PRISCILLA.  Nay,  the  name  is  of  no  importance. 
Let  us  go  on.  "I  promised  thee  news  of  my  welfare 
so  soon  as  opportunity  should  serve  to  send  it.  And 
now  I  would  have  thee  know  that  I  find  none  to  take 
thy  place  in  my  heart  or  eyes  —  " 


32  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  n 

JOHN  ALDEN  (laying  down  pen  with  anger  and  rising 
from  table) .  I  did  not  deem  thee  so  unmaidenly  as  to 
ask  a  man  who  loves  thee  to  write  thy  love-message 
to  one  thou  favorest  more  highly.  'T  is  not  well  done, 
Mistress,  neither  modest  nor  kind. 

(He  takes  his  hat  and  starts  towards  door.  PRIS- 
CILLA  rises  and  stands  in  front  of  him,  with 
flashing  eyes.) 

PRISCILLA.  I  wonder  at  thy  hardihood,  John  Alden, 
putting  such  reproach  on  me.  Never  again  think  that 
I  will  listen  to  thy  wooing.  (With  sudden  change  of 
manner  and  a  laugh.)  Thou  stupid  oaf,  did  I  not  tell 
thee  that  the  letter  was  to  Jeanne  De  la  Noye,  my 
dear  girl-friend  in  Leyden? 

(JOHN  shrugs  his  shoulders  and  sits  down  at  table, 
while  PRISCILLA  goes  to  fireplace  and  looks  at 
kettle.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (sighing  and  taking  up  quill).  Nay, 
thou  told'st  me  no  such  thing. 

PRISCILLA  (moving  slowly  back  to  her  seat).  Well,  I 
tell  thee  now,  and  thou  may'st  put,  "Jeanne,"  after 
"Well-beloved"  at  the  top,  an  thou  wilt.  Art  sat 
isfied  now,  thou  quarrelsome  fellow?  (She  touches  his 
sleeve  lightly  and  he  looks  up,  still  sober.)  Nay,  now  I 
will  be  good,  John. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (writing  and  shaking  his  head).  Ah, 
well-a-day,  I  am  indeed  an  oaf,  as  thou  sayest,  to  be 
so  wrought  upon  by  a  coy  maid's  smiles  and  frowns, 
but  have  thy  will,  Mistress,  have  thy  will. 

PRISCILLA  (standing  beside  the  door  with  sober  face). 
Nay,  now,  John,  cannot  a  big,  brave  fellow  like  thee 
take  a  poor  maid's  folly  more  gently?  Think,  then, 


SCENE  1]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  33 

John  of  how  forlorn  a  maid  it  is;  think  of  the  graves 
under  yon  hillside  —  (She  begins  to  sob  and  covers  her 
face.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (hurrying  to  her  side  and  placing  his 
arm  about  her  waist).  There,  there,  dear  heart!  For 
give  my  brutishness;  forgive  me,  sweet  one,  or  I  shall 
go  out  and  do  some  injury  to  myself  or  another,  thou 
hast  so  stirred  my  sluggish  heart  — 

PRISCILLA  (breaking  away  and  laughing).  Thy  slug 
gish  heart,  John!  Why,  thy  heart  is  like  an  open 
tub  of  gunpowder,  and  all  my  poor,  thoughtless 
words  seem  sparks  to  kindle  it.  (She  moves  back  to 
table,  taking  his  hand  and  drawing  him  to  his  stool.) 
Let  us  be  friends  and  get  on  with  my  fond  messages 
to  Jeanne  and  her  sister,  Marie,  or  I  shall  have  to 
put  away  my  paper  hardly  the  better  for  thy  work. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  fond  looks  at  her  as  she  sits  down 
at  the  spinning-wheel).  Well,  then,  thou  honey  bee, 
as  sweet  as  thy  sting  is  sharp,  what  shall  I  write 
next? 

PRISCILLA  (toying  with  the  thread  on  the  wheel).  Tell 
her,  in  thine  own  words,  how  long  we  were  cooped 
in  the  ship  Mayflower  and  how  we  landed,  and  Mary 
Chilton  and  not  I  was  first  of  all  the  women  to  leap 
upon  the  rock  we  call  our  threshold.  (John  writes  and 
she  looks  down  sadly.)  And,  John,  tell  her  how  I  am 
orphaned  of  father  and  mother  and  brother,  and 
even  the  dear  old  servant  who  carried  me  in  his  arms, 
and  many  a  time  in  Leyden  walked  behind  us  as  we 
three  malapert  maids  —  oh,  me  —  (She  breaks  down 
in  sobs.) 

(MiLES  STANDISH  enters,  stands  in  amazement  at 


34  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  n 

door,  then  walks  to  table;  PRISCILLA  glides  out 
of  the  door  with  her  face  hidden  in  her  hands.) 

MILES  (sternly  to  JOHN  ALDEN).  Hast  thou  done 
aught  to  offend  Mistress  Molines? 

JOHN  ALDEN  (rising  indignantly).  Not  I.  She  asked 
me  to  write  for  her  to  some  maid  of  her  acquaintance 
in  Leyden,  and  when  it  came  to  telling  of  her  or 
phanage  and  desolate  estate,  her  woman-heart  gave 
way  and  she  was  moved  to  tears.  (He  goes  to  door  and 
looks  out.) 

MILES  (with  bent  head).  Aye,  poor  child.  'T  is 
sad  enow,  but  perchance  we  will  put  that  right  pres 
ently.  Bradford  and  I  have  talked  of  the  matter  and 
he  has  reminded  me  that  when  William  Molines  lay 
a-dying,  he  sent  for  me  to  watch  with  him  the  night 
and  he  besought  me  to  promise  that  I  would  take 
the  maid,  Priscilla,  under  my  keeping  and  not  let 
her  come  to  want.  He  said  naught  of  marriage  nor 
did  I,  and  such  speech  would  have  been  unseemly 
for  him  and  hateful  to  me.  Bradford  thinks,  forsooth, 
that  he  meant  me  to  take  her  to  wife  when  my  Rose 
was  laid  to  rest.  If  the  maid  is  of  her  father's  mind, 
I  will  be  bound  — 

JOHN  ALDEN  (in  alarm  coming  towards  him).  Doth 
Priscilla  know  of  this  —  this  compact  betwixt  her 
father  and  thee? 

MILES.  I  know  not,  but  't  is  time  I  knew  her  mind. 
Doubtless,  her  father  told  her  ere  he  died,  but  there 
has  been  no  convenient  season  for  wooing  and  — 
truth  to  tell  —  I  have  no  great  heart"  towards  the 
matter.  I'll  tell  thee,  boy,  thou  shalt  woo  her  for 
me. 


SCENE  i]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  35 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  vigorous  protests  and  hastening 
to  the  door).  Nay,  Master  — 

MILES  (taking  the  arm  of  ALDEN  and  leading  him 
to  table).  Nay,  nay  me  no  nays  and  but  me  no  buts, 
for  the  scheme  pleases  me  and  so  it  shall  be  —  the 
lady's  angry  dignity  may  be  appeased  for  the  delay 
by  seeing  that  I  woo  her  as  princesses  are  wooed,  by 
proxy.  Get  thee  back  to  thy  pen-craft,  and  when  it  is 
done,  come  to  me  at  the  Fort;  I  have  work  there  for 
thee. 

(MILES  goes  out,  with  a  look  back  at  ALDEN,  who 
walks  the  floor;  soon  he  sits  at  the  table  and  sinks 
his  head  on  his  arms;  he  does  not  see  PRISCILLA, 
who  enters  quietly,  with  a  branch  of  pussy-wil 
lows  in  her  hands;  she  stands  amazed,  looks  at 
JOHN,  then  touches  him  on  the  arm  and  he  looks 
up  with  haggard  face.) 

PRISCILLA  (surprised  and  kindly,  sitting  down  on 
stool).  Hast  finished,  scribe? 

JOHN  ALDEN  (in  lifeless  tone).  Wilt  thou  set  thy 
name  at  the  end,  Mistress? 

PRISCILLA  (turning  over  the  sheet  as  JOHN  ALDEN 
rests  his  head  on  hand).  Ah,  there  is  a  little  room  here. 
Say,  "My  friendly  salutations  to  thy  brothers, 
Jacques,  Philip,  and  my  little  Guillaume,  and  now  I 
think  on't,  Jacques  asked  me  to  advise  him  if  this 
were  a  good  place  for  a  young  man  to  settle,  and,  as 
I  promised,  I  will  now  bid  thee  say  that  to  my  mind 
it  is  a  place  of  goodly  promise,  and  I  were  glad  in 
deed  to  see  all  my  friends  of  the  house  of  De  la  Noye 
coming  hither  in  the  next  ship. 
JOHN  ALDEN  (writing  slowly,  and  with  sarcasm  with- 


36  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  n 

out  looking  at  PRISCILLA).  I  have  heard  ere  now  that 
the  pith  of  a  woman's  letter  was  in  the  postscriptum, 
just  as  the  sting  of  a  honey  bee  cometh  at  the  latter 
end.  And  now  wilt  thou  sign?  (He  pushes  the  paper 
towards  her  and  still  averts  his  face.) 

PRISCILLA  (looking  keenly  at  him).  Yes.  Give  me  the 
quill.  (He  passes  it.  She  writes  slowly  and  with  diffi 
culty.)  del,  how  it  sputters  and  spatters.  'T  is  a 
wondrous  poor  pen,  John. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (rising).  It  served  my  turn  well  enow. 

PRISCILLA  (surprised  and  puzzled  at  his  manner). 
And  wilt  thou  not  address  it?  (He  takes  the  quill,  but 
still  stands.)  To  the  Sieur  Jacques  De  la  Noye  for 
Mademoiselle  Jeanne  De  la  Noye.  And  thank  thee, 
kindly,  John,  for  all  thy  trouble. 

(JoHN   ALDEN  moves  towards  the  door;  pauses, 
looks  at  her  for  a  second.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Thou'rt  more  than  welcome,  Priscilla. 

PRISCILLA  (coming  towards  him  and  reaching  out 
her  hand;  he  hesitates,  then  takes  it  in  his).  But  why  so 
grave  upon  it,  lad? 

JOHN  ALDEN.  The  heart  knoweth  its  own  bitter 
ness  and  mine  hath  no  lack  of  bitter  food.  (He  drops 
his  head.) 

PRISCILLA.  Nay,  perhaps  thou  turnest  sweet  into 
bitter.  A  kind  word  to  the  brother  of  my  gossip, 
Jeanne  — 

JOHN  ALDEN  (turns  away,  goes  to  hearth  and  takes 
bucket  and,  at  door,  stops).  Ah,  that 's  not  all  nor  the 
worst.  But,  I  '11  fetch  thee  some  water  from  the  spring. 
(He  goes  out  sadly.) 

(PRISCILLA  stands  looking  after  him  at  the  door, 


SCENE  2]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  37 

then  goes  to  the  fireplace  and  stirs  the  fire,  shakes 
the  kettle  and  hums  a  tune,  rests  her  head  on  the 
fireplace,  goes  to  table,  takes  up  letter  and  holds 
it  with  a  smile.) 

PRISCILLA.  Handsome  Jacques  with  his  quick 
wit  and  gentle  breeding,  and  our  brave  Captain  of 
knightly  chivalry  and  —  and  —  (looking  up)  JOHN. 

SLOW  CURTAIN 
SCENE  2 

SCENE:  same  interior.  TIME:  early  autumn,  1621.  On 
top  of  fireplace  are  bayberry  candles  and  candle-moulds; 
on  table  are  flagon  and  wooden  dipper;  also  some  au 
tumn  fruits;  PRISCILLA  is  sitting  at  the  spinning-wheel 
alone  when  curtain  lifts;  she  sings,  as  she  gently  moves 
the  wheel,  a  stanza  of  Luther's  Hymn:  — 

A  mighty  fortress  is  our  God, 

A  bulwark  never  failing; 
Our  helper  He  amid  the  flood 

Of  mortal  ills  prevailing; 
For  still  our  ancient  foe, 
Doth  seek  to  work  us  woe; 
His  craft  and  power  are  great, 

And  armed  with  cruel  hate; 
On  earth  is  not  his  equal. 1 

(Suddenly  she  stops  and  listens  and,  from  behind 

the  scenes,  is  heard  a  gay  trill  like  that  of  a 

bird;  she  stops  and  goes  to  the  door. 

PRISCILLA    (standing   by   door).   Ah,   little   bird! 

Better  fly  south  before  the  cold  winter  comes  on. 

1  This  translation  of  Luther's  Hymn,  written  by  Martin 
Luther  in  1529,  is  by  Frederick  Henry  Hedge  (1852).  It  is  used 
here  because  it  is  more  effective  than  the  version  by  Miles 
Coverdale  (1539)  found  in  his  Remains,  p.  569  (edited,  1846). 


38  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  n 

'T  is  a  sad  country  when  the  snow  flies,  cold  for 
body  and  spirit.  I,  too,  used  to  sing  gay  songs  as 
blithe  as  thine  —  old  lays  of  France  as  sweet  as  ever 
bird  could  sing.  Alack  — 

(With  a  sudden  change  in  her  manner,  she  returns 

to  the  wheel  and  turning  it  gently  sings  a  lilting 

song.) 

Pernette  rises  so  early, 

Three  hours  ere  dawning  breaks, 

Tra  la  la  la! 
Ere  dawning  breaks. 
She  gathers  up  her  distaff, 
Her  spinning-wheel  she  takes, 
Her  spinning-wheel  she  takes, 
Her  spinning-wheel  she  takes, 

Tra  la  la  la! 

La  Pernette  se  leve, 
Trois  heures  avant  le  jour, 

Tra  la  la  la! 
Avant  le  jour, 

Elle  prend  sa  que-nouillette, 
Avec  son  petit  tour, 
Avec  son  petit  tour, 
Avec  son  petit  tour, 

Tra  la  la  la!  1 

(JOHN  ALDEN  comes  in  at  door,  unseen  by  PRIS- 
CILLA,  and  stands  with  hat  in  hand  and  a  sad, 
tender  look  on  his  face,  listening,  and  watching 
her.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (as  PRISCILLA  pauses  in  her  song). 
Well  done,  maid!  Thou  hast  so  outsung  the  bird 
that  he  hath  flown. 

1  Early  songs  of  the  fifteenth  and  sixteenth  centuries  are  found 
in  Sixty  Folk-Songs  of  France,  edited  by  Julien  Tiersot,  published 
by  Oliver  Ditson  Co.,  1915. 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  39 

PRISCILLA  (glancing  up  and  then  turning  back  to 
the  wheel).  Nay,  methinks  he  flew  because  he  saw  an 
owl  abroad,  and  owls  are  ever  grewsome  neighbors  to 
poor  little  songsters). 

(PRISCILLA  presses  treadle  swiftly  and  draws  out 
a  cobweb  thread  carefully  as  JOHN  ALDEN 
approaches,  but  she  does  not  look  at  him.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  What  a  fine  thread  thou  drawest, 
Priscilla. 

PRISCILLA.  'T  is  hardly  stout  enow  to  hang  a  man, 
and  yet  stout  enow  for  my  purposes,  good  John. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Wilt  weave  it  on  Master  Allerton's 
loom  when  't  is  done? 

PRISCILLA.  Mayhap  I'll  weave  it  into  lace  for  a 
pillow,  as  the  fair  maids  in  Holland  used  to  do.  What 
think'st  thou,  John,  would  be  said  or  done  should  I 
weave  some  ells  of  span-wide  lace  and  trim  my  Sun 
day  kirtle  therewith?  Mistress  White,  nay,  Mistress 
Winslow  that  is  now,  would  rend  it  away  with  her 
own  fingers.  (She  looks  up  at  JOHN  with  a  smile.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  And  yet  Master  Winslow  weareth 
cambric  ruffles  on  occasion  and  his  dame  hath  a 
paduasoy  kirtle  and  mantle  and  so  had  Mistress 
Carver  and  some  others  of  our  company. 

PRISCILLA  (laughing).  Marry  come  up!  How  wise 
the  lad  hath  grown!  Hast  been  pondering  women's 
clothes  instead  of  the  books  the  Captain  gives  thee 
to  study,  John?  (With  an  arch  look  at  him.) 

(JOHN  ALDEN  starts  and  moves  away  and  his 
manner  becomes  grave;  he  sits  down  on  a  stool, 
pushed  away  a  little  from  the  wheel.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Well  do  I  like  thy  merry  mood, 


40  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH        [ACT  n 

Priscilla,  and  care  not  though  thou  flout  me  ever  so 
sharply,  but  mine  errand  to-day  is  somewhat  of  im 
portance,  and  I  pray  thee  to  listen  seriously. 

PRISCILLA  (with  averted  face,  fixing  the  thread  on 
the  wheel) .  Nay,  good  lad,  waste  not  such  solemnities 
on  me.  'T  will  be  Sunday  in  three  days,  and  thou 
canst  take  the  Elder's  place  and  seriously  exhort 
(mockingly). 

JOHN  ALDEN  (straightens  up  and  is  severe  in  man 
ner).  Priscilla,  wilt  thou  be  serious? 

PRISCILLA  (sitting  idle  and  looking  at  him  with 
serene  face).  As  death,  John.  What  is  it? 

JOHN  ALDEN.  I  writ  a  letter  for  thee  to  thy  friend 
Jeanne  De  la  Noye  — 

PRISCILLA  (with  mock-seriousness).  'T  is  a  sad 
truth,  John. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (looking  down  and  hesitating).  And 
methought  there  was  some  word  in  it  that  pointed 
to  —  pointed  to  — 

PRISCILLA  (laughing).  Yes,  good  youth,  that 
pointed  to  —  pointed  to  —  and  what  did  it  point 
to? 

JOHN  ALDEN.  That  pointed  to  some  contract,  or 
mayhap  not  more  than  some  understanding  —  un 
derstanding  — 

PRISCILLA  (rising  and  standing  above  JOHN).  If 
't  was  a  word  that  pointed  to  any  understanding  of 
thee  and  thy  stammering,  John  Alden,  I  pray  thee 
speak  it  without  more  ado.  Say  what  is  in  thy  mind 
if  indeed  there  is  aught  there. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (as  PRISCILLA  sits  again  at  the  wheel 
and  begins  to  draw  the  thread).  Well,  then,  art  thou 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  41 

promised  to  Jacques  De  la  Noye,  and  is  he  coming 
here  to  wed  thee? 

(PRISCILLA  bends  her  head  low  and  pulls  the  thread 
so  hard  that  it  snaps  and  she  tries  to  join  it.) 

PRISCILLA.  See  now  what  mischief  thy  folly  hath 
wrought  to  my  thread!  Of  a  truth  there's  no  cause 
to  complain  of  blindness  in  thy  speech  now,  Master 
Alden.  But  still  I  have  noted  that  if  thou  canst  drive 
a  bashful  youth  out  of  his  bashfulness,  there  are  no 
bounds  to  his  frowardness.  (With  a  look  of  amusement 
at  JOHN  whose  head  is  lowered.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Loth  were  I  to  offend  thee  and  that 
thou  knowest  right  well,  hut  I  fain  would  have  an 
answer  to  my  query.  (He  hesitates  and  then  rises.) 
But,  Priscilla,  I  am  sent  to  thee  with  a  proffer  of 
marriage,  and  if  thou'rt  already  bespoke  'tis  not 
fitting  that  thou  shouldst  hear  it.  (He  walks  behind 
PRISCILLA  and  stands  with  bowed  head.) 

PRISCILLA  (turning  sharply  around  on  her  stool, 
getting  caught  in  the  thread  and  letting  it  snap  without 
attention  to  it).  Thou'rt  sent,  John  Alden?  Who  sent 
thee? 

JOHN  ALDEN  (in  a  low  tone).  Captain  Standish. 

PRISCILLA  (angrily).  Sent  thee!  Was  it  too  much 
honor  to  a  poor  maid  for  him  to  do  his  own  errand? 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Nay,  be  not  angered,  Priscilla,  al 
though  he  feared  thou  wouldst  be.  He  feared  thou 
wert  angry  already  and  he  would  have  thee  know  he 
stood  in  terror  and  dared  not  present  himself.  (He 
handles  his  hat  in  nervousness  and  stammers.) 

PRISCILLA  (leaning  her  head  on  her  hand  and  al 
most  sobbing).  John  Alden,  art  thou  and  thy  master 


42  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  n 

joined  in  a  league  to  flout  and  insult  me,  an  orphaned 
maid?  If  thou  hast  an  errand  from  Captain  Standish 
to  me,  say  it  in  as  few  words  as  may  be,  or  I  will 
never  speak  word  to  thee  again. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (placing  his  hat  on  the  table  and  coming 
to  PBISCILLA'S  side,  standing  with  dignity}.  Thou'rt 
right,  Priscilla,  and  I  have  done  sore  discredit  thus 
far  to  the  honorable  master  on  whose  errand  I  come. 
Captain  Standish,  as  no  doubt  thou  knowest,  spake 
with  thy  father  before  he  died  of  a  marriage  in  time 
to  come  between  him  and  thee  — 

PRISCILLA  (looking  up  angrily).  Nay,  I  knew  it 
not,  nor  am  bound  by  any  such  speech  — 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  apology  in  manner  and  toying 
with  the  top  of  the  wheel).  Captain  Standish  took  it 
that  thou  didst  know,  and  feared  that  thou  hadst 
felt  his  silence  to  be  some  want  of  eagerness  —  (stam 
mers)  . 

PRISCILLA  (beginning  to  spin) .  Aye,  I  see !  He  feared 
that  I  was  angered  that  he  had  not  wooed  me  across 
his  wife's  and  my  father's  graves,  and  so  thrust  thee 
forward  to  bear  the  first  outburst  of  my  fury.  (She 
looks  up  coyly  at  JOHN,  who  meets  her  eye  and  then 
looks  down.)  'T  was  kindly  thought  on  if  not  over- 
valiant,  and  't  is  an  honorable  (with  sarcasm),  a 
noble  office  for  thee,  John,  who  hast  at  odd  times 
thrown  me  a  soft  word  thyself. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (walking  the  floor  with  agitation) .  Oh, 
maiden,  maiden,  wilt  thou  trample  to  death  the  poor 
heart  that  thou  knowest  is  all  thine  own!  I  "throw 
thee  a  soft  word  now  and  again."  Why,  thou  knowest 
but  too  well  how  I  hang  like  a  beggar  on  thy  foot- 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  43 

steps  to  catch  even  a  careless  word  that  thou  mayst 
fling  at  me.  (He  bends  lovingly  over  the  wheel  and  to 
wards  PRISCILLA.)  Thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee, 
maid,  as  blind  men  love  sight,  and  dying  men  water  — 
PRISCILLA  (stopping  her  work  and  looking  archly 
at  him).  Then,  why  don't  you  speak  for  yourself, 
John? 

(JOHN  ALDEN  starts  suddenly  in  confusion  and 

walks  away  while  PRISCILLA  goes  to  the  chest, 

takes  out  some  linen  and,  filling  the  dipper  from 

the  bucket,  sprinkles  the  clothes,  standing  with 

her  face  towards  JOHN,  front.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (pausing  at  door) .  Ah,  Priscilla,  't  is 

not  kind  to  try  me  thus!  Surely  thou  hast  triumphed 

often  enow  in  despising  my  humble  suit  without 

wounding  me  afresh  to-day.  Sith  I  may  not  hope  to 

call  thee  mine,  maiden,  I  could  better  bear  to  see 

thee  wife  of  the  noble  soldier  whom  I  serve  than  of 

any  other  man;  mayhap  thou  knowest  not  that  he 

cometh  of  noble  lineage,  a  race  that  hath  borne 

coat-armor  since  Norman  William  led  them  across 

the  Channel  — 

PRISCILLA  (with  laughter  in  her  face).  Didst  not 
bring  some  heraldic  tree  or  chart  to  dazzle  mine  eyes 
with? 

(JOHN  ALDEN  does  not  notice  her  interruption, 

but  recites  on  with  his  back  towards  her.) 
JOHN  ALDEN.  Among   his   ancestors  are  men  of 
noble  deeds  and  proud  achievements  who  have  car 
ried  the  name  of  Standish  of  Standish  on  the  fore 
front  of  battle,  and  in  Kings'  Councils  — 

PRISCILLA  (with  a  movement  of  annoyance,  holding 


44  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  n 

the  dipper  in  the  air).  Did  he  bid  thee  say  all  this 
also? 

JOHN  ALDEN  (sitting  down  on  stool  by  table).  Nay, 
Priscilla,  there's  a  time  for  all  things,  and  I  must 
feel  it  unworthy  of  thy  womanhood  to  so  perversely 
jeer  and  flout  at  a  good  man's  love,  when  'tis 
honestly  offered  thee. 

PRISCILLA.  A  good  man's  love?  But  I  have  heard 
naught  of  any  love  offered  me  by  Miles  Standish. 
Thou  hast  offered,  in  his  name,  some  coat-armor,  and 
a  long  lineage,  and  courage,  both  ancestral  and  of  his 
own  person,  and  —  what  else?  I  forget,  but  surely 
there  was  no  love  among  these  commodities.  Didst 
drop  it  by  the  way,  or  did  the  Captain  forget  to 
send  it,  John?  (She  smiles  archly.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (seriously).  Mayhap  he  kept  it  back 
to  give  it  thee  by  word  of  mouth,  Priscilla,  and  if  he 
did,  it  is  a  treasure  even  thou  shouldst  not  despise, 
for  never  did  I  see  a  nature  at  once  so  brave,  so  strong, 
so  tender.  Ah,  Priscilla,  his  is  a  heart  of  gold,  a  man 
among  ten  thousand  —  be  wise  beyond  thy  years, 
and  answer  him  comfortably.  (He  rises  and  walks 
floor.) 

PRISCILLA  (shaking  out  her  linen  and  rolling  it). 
And  hast  thou  done,  John?  Hast  said  all  thy  say? 

JOHN  ALDEN  (gasping  and  standing  still) .  Aye,  maid. 

PRISCILLA.  Then,  lad,  clear  thy  memory  of  it  all, 
and  make  room  for  the  answer  I  will  give  thee. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  And  let  it  be  a  gentle  one,  Priscilla. 

PRISCILLA.  Oh,  thou  knowest  how  to  dress  an  un 
welcome  message  in  comely  phrase  better  than  any 
man  of  mine  acquaintance,  unless  it  be  Master 


SCENE  2]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  45 

Winslow  (with  bitter  tone).  So  try  thy  skill  on  simple 
NO,  for  't  is  all  I  have  to  say. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  an  expression  of  gladness,  fol 
lowed  by  one  of  embarrassment,  coming  towards  the  table 
and  leaning  upon  it).  But,  Priscilla,  but,  maiden  — 
bethink  thee,  —  be  not  so  shrewd  of  tongue  — 

PRISCILLA.  Nay,  wilt  have  my  reasons,  Master  En 
voy?  Well,  then,  I  care  not  for  a  man  who  cares  not 
to  do  his  own  wooing.  I  care  naught  for  coat-armor, 
not  for  pedigree,  I,  whose  forbears  were  honest  bour 
geoisie  of  Lyons,  — and  I  care  not  for  a  red  beard 
(with  a  smile),  nor  for  widowers,  nor  for  men  old 
enow  to  be  my  sire  — 

JOHN  ALDEN  (amused).  But  he  is  but  six  and  thirty, 
maiden. 

PRISCILLA.  And  I  am  naught-and-twenty,  and  I 
am  a-weary  of  thy  chat,  John  Alden,  and  —  (almost 
in  tears  as  she  sits  down  in  armchair} —  and  I  fain 
would  be  alone,  so  I  wish  thee  good  e'en  —  and  a 
keener  wit. 

(She  refuses  to  look  at  him  again  and  he  goes 
out  sadly  as  MADAM  BREWSTER  and  MARY 
CHILTON  enter,  with  DESIRE  coming  in  after, 
eating  a  plum  or  other  fruit  and  slyly  throwing 
the  core  into  the  fireplace.  PRISCILLA  rises  hastily 
and  assists  MADAM  BREWSTER  to  her  chair  and 
goes  towards  MARY,  who  is  clapping  her  hands 
and  almost  dancing.) 

MARY.  Oh,  Priscilla,  maid,  what  think 'st  thou  is 
towards  now? 

PRISCILLA  (in  a  mocking  tone).  The  Governor  is 
fain  to  marry  thee,  Mary,  and  the  Elder  is  ready  to 
give  his  blessing.  Is't  not  so? 


46  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  n 

MADAM  BREWSTER  (looking  kindly,  yet  with  re 
proof,  at  the  girls  who  are  standing  with  arms  about 
each  other}.  Maids!  Dear  maids!  Such  levity  of  words 
is  not  seemly. 

PRISCILLA  (seizing  the  dipper  from  the  table).  What 's 
thy  news,  Mary?  Speak  or  I'll  sprinkle  thee  as  I  did 
the  linen. 

MARY  (laughing  and  dodging  as  PRISCILLA  twirls 
the  dipper  above  her  head).  What  wouldst  thou  give 
to  know?  Didst  sprinkle  John  Alden  just  now?  He 
looked  much  as  if  a  wet  blanket  had  been  thrown 
upon  him  when  we  met  him  in  the  lane  a  short  time 
ago!  (They  both  laugh  and  DESIRE  gives  a  loud  giggle.) 
MADAM  BREWSTER.  Why,  maids,  what  unseemly 
mirth  is  this  ?  Know  not  that  the  laughter  of  fools  is 
like  the  crackling  of  thorns  under  the  pot  —  what 
says  the  Good  Book? 

(PRISCILLA  puts  down  the  dipper  and  demurely 
clears  away  the  table  while  MARY  sits  on  a  stool 
and  DESIRE  climbs  on  another  stool  to  look  into 
the  cupboard;  the  stool  tips  and  she  jumps  just 
in  time  to  save  falling;  PRISCILLA  pushes  her 
away  with  a  whispered  remonstrance  and  DE 
SIRE  sits  on  chest  and  swings  her  feet  awkwardly. 
MARY.  Well,  Priscilla,  the  Governor  hath  resolved 
upon  a  day,  or  rather  a  week,  of  holiday  and  thanks 
giving  for  the  mercies  God  hath  shown  us.  It  was 
determined  to  invite  King  Massasoit  and  his  train 
to  the  feast.  (With  more  animation.)  Think  of  it, 
Priscilla!  A  whole  week  of  feasting  and  holiday! 

PRISCILLA  (turning  around  at  cupboard).  It  sounds 
well  enow,  but  who  is  to  make  ready  this  feasting? 


SCENE  2]    STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  47 

MARY  (hesitating).  Why —  all  of  us  —  and  chiefly 
you,  dear  wench,  for  none  can  season  a  delicate  dish 
like  you,  or  — 

PRISCILLA  (sitting  down  on  the  floor  beside  MISTRESS 
BREWSTER  who  smooths  her  hair).  Aye,  aye,  I  know 
that  song  full  well;  but  dost  really  think,  Mary,  that 
to  do  a  great  deal  more  and  a  good  deal  harder  cook 
ing  than  our  wont,  will  be  so  very  sprightly  holiday? 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  But  't  will  be  doing  our 
part  to  make  holiday  for  others. 

PRISCILLA.  Truth,  dear  mother  —  and  what  shall 
we  cook  from  our  (with  sarcasm)  ample  store?  —  man- 
chets  and  marchpanes  and  plum-porridge  and  possets 
for  a  change,  I  suppose. 

MARY.  The  men  will  bring  in  wild  turkeys  which 
thou  canst  stuff  with  beechnuts. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Aye,  and  thou  canst  cook 
fish  in  shells  as  thou  didst  a  week  agone;  but  I 
fear  me  our  men  cannot  dine  to-day  on  the  promise 
of  the  coming  feast. 

PRISCILLA  (rising  hastily  and  going  to  the  fireplace 
and  taking  down  a  kettle  from  hook).  Well  thought  on, 
mother  dear.  (She  beckons  to  MARY  and  DESIRE.) 
Come  maids,  to  work,  to  work.  (They  begin  to  lay 
table.) 

SLOW  CURTAIN 


ACT  III 

SCENE  1 

SCENE:  same  as  Act  II.  TIME:  three  weeks  later,  No 
vember,  1621.  There  are  branches  of  autumn  leaves  and 
corn  hanging  in  bunches  from  the  ceiling  and  fruit  in 
clusters,  drying  near  fireplace.  MARY  CHILTON  enters 
with  her  apron  full  of  nuts  which  she  empties  into  a 
wooden  bowl  on  table;  she  is  flushed  and  her  hair  is  ruf 
fled  by  the  wind;  she  throws  back  her  cape  and  sits  down 
in  the  armchair  with  a  sad,  far-away  look  on  her  face. 
MILES  STANDISH  enters,  takes  off  his  hat  and  wipes 
his  forehead;  he  is  followed  by  SQUANTO,  with  a  bow 
and  arrow,  and  some  wild  birds.  MARY  sees  MILES, 
and  rises  from  chair  and  he  sits  down;  MARY  goes  to 
SQUANTO  and  examines  the  birds.) 

MILES  (speaking  to  himself).  This  is  the  first  day 
that  I  have  not  felt  strange  in  my  head  for  a  fort 
night.  The  air  indeed  to-day  is  good,  but  I  have  a 
weakness  still  about  my  limbs.  'T  was  a  strange  ill 
ness  and  a  bitter  physic  that  the  doctor  gave  me. 
'T  is  a  day  of  rare  warmth  for  November.  The  Elder 
well  said  that  these  days  are  Indian  summer,  albeit 
the  harvest  is  gathered  and  the  winter  is  nigh. 

SQUANTO.  Indian  summer,  say  you.  It  is  a  good 
word.  It  come  with  Massasoit  to  our  feast,  when  we 
have  much  good  to  eat  —  and  to  drink  (with  sugges 
tive  look  at  flask} . 

(Outside  is  heard  a  drum,  and  BRADFORD  enters, 


SCENE  1]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  49 

greets  MILES,  who  rises  and  sits  on  stool  as 
BRADFORD  sits  in  chair;  SQUANTO  goes  out.) 

BRADFORD.  It  is  good  to  see  thee  about,  Captain; 
dost  hear  Bart  Allerton  beat  the  drum-call?  He  does 
credit  to  your  teaching,  Captain;  yet  methinks  there 
may  be  danger  that  a  vain  delight  in  his  own  per 
formance  may  cause  the  lad,  on  a  Sabbath,  to  forget 
that  this  drum,  for  lack  of  a  bell,  is  our  call  to  prayer. 
Wouldst  thou  direct,  Miles,  that  in  future  on  a  Sab 
bath,  the  drum  shall  sound  but  three  heavy  and  un 
modulated  beats? 

MILES  (with  slight  annoyance).  Oh,  if  it  wilPplease 

thee  better.  Didst  ever  hear  of  the  tyrant  Procrustes? 

(MARY  sits  at  spinning-wheel.) 

BRADFORD.  What  of  him? 

MILES.  Only  that  he  would  force  all  men  to  fit  one 
measure,  though  he  dragged  the  life  out  of  them. 
Dost  thou  fancy  the  God  to  whom  we  pray  is  better 
pleased  with  a  dreary  noise  than  with  some  hint  of 
melody?  (MARY  laughs.) 

BRADFORD.  Why  must  thou  ever  be  so  hot,  Miles? 
Hast  been  chiding  John  Alden  of  late?  I  have  noted 
that  the  younker's  face  and  voice  are  not  as  blithe 
as  they  were  wont  to  be. 

MILES.  Like  enow  he's  thwarted  at  missing  a 
chance  of  a  brush  with  the  red  skins  when  we  go,  as 
I  plan,  in  a  few  days  to  settle  matters  with  Corbitant 
and  his  treacherous  Indians  who  would  turn  Massa- 
soit  against  us  if  he  could.  John  Alden  has  as  brave 
a  heart  as  any  in  the  colony,  but  —  in  my  judgment 
—  't  were  best  he  should  not  go  with  us  on  this  ex 
pedition  of  danger. 


I 


50  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  HI 

MARY  (going  out  with  BRADFORD).  Art  going  to 
Stephen Hopkins's?  I'd  fain  go  with  thee  and  see  the 
letters  and  gifts  which  the  ship  Fortune  hath  brought 
to  Constance  Hopkins. 

(MiLEs  sits  in  the  armchair,  leans  back  his  head 
and  seems  to  sleep;  PRISCILLA  enters,  glances  at 
him,  walks  softly  to  cupboard  and  takes  out  three 
wooden  platters  in  her  hands,  and  is  about  to  go 
out  with  them  when  MILES  opens  his  eyes  with  a 
start,  sees  her  and  says :) 

MILES  (to  himself).  Nay,  I'll  not  be  toyed  with 
longer!  (To  PRISCILLA,  with  a  tone  of  authority.)  Mis 
tress  Molines,  I  would  have  a  word  with  you. 

PRISCILLA  (pausing  in  surprise,  then  starting  for 
the  door).  Nay,  Captain,  I  am  not  of  your  train-band 
and  your  business  must  wait  my  pleasure  and  con 
venience.  Now  I  am  over-busy.  (She  moves  towards 
the  door.) 

MILES  (rising from  chair  and  advancing  towards  her) . 
Nay,  then,  if  I  spoke  amiss  I  crave  your  pardon,  Mis 
tress,  and  had  we  more  time  I  would  beat  my  brains 
for  some  of  the  flowery  phrases  I  used  to  hear  among 
the  court  gallants  who  came  to  learn  war  in  Flanders. 
But  /  also  have  business  as  weighty  as  thine  and  as 
little  able  to  brook  delay.  So,  I  pray  you  of  your 
courtesy  to  set  down  your  platters  on  this  table 
and  listen  patiently  to  me  for  a  matter  of  five 
minutes. 

PRISCILLA  (with  proud  manner,  still  holding  the 
platters).  I  am  listening,  sir. 

MILES  (insistent  and  coming  nearer  to  her).  Nay, 
put  down  the  platters  or  let  me  put  them  down. 


SCENE  i]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  51 

PRISCILLA  (tossing  her  head,  but  putting  platters  on 
table) .  There,  then,  and  glad  am  I  —  (she  pauses  and 
mutters'). 

MILES.  Glad  of  what,  Mistress? 

PRISCILLA  (between  tears  and  smiles).  That  I'm  not 
often  under  your  orders,  sir. 

MILES.  Ah,  but  we'll  waste  no  time  in  skirmishing, 
fair  enemy.  Tell  me  rather  what  you  meant  by  the 
loving-cup  sent  me  at  the  feast  a  fortnight  agone! 

PRISCILLA  (with  flashes  of  surprise).  I  send  you  a 
loving-cup,  sir? 

MILES  (sitting  down  on  stool  while  PRISCILLA  still 
stands  at  table).  Aye,  call  it  by  what  name  you  will;  I 
mean  the  cup  that  Desire  Minter  brought  me  from 
thee,  with  a  message  that  I  should  drink  thy  health. 

PRISCILLA  (tossing  her  head  and  moving  away). 
Loth  were  I  to  think,  Captain  Standish,  that  you 
would  willfully  insult  a  maid  with  none  to  defend  her, 
and  so  I  will  charitably  suppose  that  you  have  been 
forced  to  drink  too  many  healths  to  guard  well  your 
own.  (She  stoops  to  take  platters.) 

MILES  (seizing  her  by  the  arm).  Now,  by  the  God 
that  made  us  both,  wench,  I  '11  have  an  end  to  this. 
Nay,  not  one  step  will  you  stir  until  you  or  I  are  laid 
in  a  lie. 

PRISCILLA  (cowering  and  raising  her  hands  to  her 
head).  A  lie,  Captain  Standish? 

MILES  (releasing  her,  but  standing  in  front  of  her). 
Mayhap  my  own  lie.  I  say  that  Desire  Minter  brought 
to  me  a  silver  cup  with  some  sweet  posset,  such  as  you 
have  made  for  many  of  our  sick  folk  time  and  again, 
and  bade  me  quaff  it,  at  your  behest,  to  your  health. 


52  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  m 

PRISCILLA  (starting  back  in  alarm).  And  that  is 
God's  truth,  say  you,  sir? 

MILES  (with  severe  dignity}.  Mistress  Molines,  my 
word  has  not  often  been  doubted;  you  force  me  to 
remind  you  that  I  come  of  noble  blood. 

PRISCILLA  (putting  out  her  hand  in  protest  and 
shaking  her  head).  Nay,  nay,  stop  there  an  it  please 
you,  sir.  Fear  not  that  my  humble  blood  shall  ever 
sully  your  noble  strain,  albeit  (with  a  droll  look)  you 
sent  John  Alden  to  woo  me  for  your  knightly  self; 
but,  mean  though  I  be,  my  habit  is  a  tolerably  truth 
ful  one  and  (with  much  spirit)  I  tell  you  once  and  for 
all  that  I  sent  you  no  cup,  I  made  you  no  posset,  I 
desired  no  health  drunk  by  you. 

MILES  (sitting  down  in  dismay  and  resting  his  head 
on  his  hand).  What,  then,  has  this  girl,  Desire,  wrought 
of  mischief?  Truth  to  tell,  Priscilla,  I  fear  me  it  was 
a  poison  that  she  gave  me;  for  the  next  day  a  shrewd 
pain  seized  me  and  ever  since  there  has  been  a  heavi 
ness  in  my  head  and  ever  and  anon  a  sense  of  dizzi 
ness.  Like  enow  she  hath  revenged  herself —  (He 
pauses.) 

PRISCII.LA.  Like  enow,  for  your  scorn  of  her  love. 
(Looking  out  at  door.)  Here  comes  Mother  Brewster; 
let  us  take  counsel  of  her. 

MILES  (hurrying  towards  door).  Do  you  this  for  me, 
Priscilla.  It  hardly  becomes  a  man  and  a  soldier  to 
seek  redress  for  a  wench's  love-scratch  at  the  hands 
of  a  woman;  I'll  tell  the  Governor.  (He  stands  aside 
as  MISTRESS  BREWSTER  enters  on  arm  of  MARY 
CHILTON;  he  greets  her  and  passes  out.) 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (pausing  beside  table  where 


SCENE  1]    STAN  DISH  OF  STAN  DISH  53 

PRISCILLA  stands).  Hast  seen  my  son,  Jonathan,  to 
day,  Priscilla?  It  seemeth  like  a  dream  that  he  is  here 
in  Plymouth  and  has  brought  news  that  his  sisters, 
Fear  and  Patience,  are  well  and  will  come  by  the 
next  ship.  I  only  could  weep  for  joy  last  night. 

(DESIRE  MINTER  appears  at  door,  looks  in,  and 
is  about  to  run  away  when*  PRISCILLA  hastens 
to  door,  seizes  DESIRE  by  the  shoulders,  and 
pushes  her  towards  MISTRESS  BREWSTER,  who 
is  sitting  down  in  the  armchair,  assisted  by 
MARY.) 

PRISCILLA  (to  DESIRE).  Now,  girl,  you'll  not  es 
cape;  tell  Mistress  Brewster  what  you  have  done. 
You  might  have  killed  our  Captain. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (amazed  and  looking  at  DE 
SIRE  with  sharp  eyes).  Killed  our  Captain?  What 
words  are  these,  Priscilla! 

(DESIRE  tries  to  break  away,  but  PRISCILLA  holds 
her  and  DESIRE  begins  to  cry,  hiding  her  face  in 
her  apron.) 

PRISCILLA  (pointing  to  DESIRE).  Ask  her! 
MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Cease  your  bawling,  Desire, 
and  tell  me  what  this  means. 

(BRADFORD  enters,  looks  surprised  at  first,  then 

sits  on  stool.) 

DESIRE.  The  Captain,  first  of  all,  asked  me  to  wife, 
and  if  he  had  not  been  wiled  away  by  yon  —  (Point 
ing  at  PRISCILLA,  while  MARY  gives  expression  of 
horrcr  and  disgust;  she  stands  behind  MADAM  BREW- 
STER'S  chair.) 

BRADFORD  (angrily,  as  they  all  turn  with  surprise  to 
see  him).  'T  was  thine  own  idle  fancy,  child,  that  set 


54  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  m 

thee  on  such  a  notion.  The  Captain  hath  averred  to 
me,  as  a  Christian  man,  that  he  never  made  proffer 
to  thee  nor  wished  to  do  so  since  he  first  set  eyes  on 
thee.  (DESIRE  cries  with  a  loud,  angry  snarl  and  shakes 
herself.}  Nay,  he  said,  "  Not  if  there  were  no  other 
woman  upon  earth."  (PRISCILLA  and  MARY  smile.} 
What  didst  thou  give  the  Captain  to  drink,  silly 
wench,  and  why  did  you  say  that  Priscilla  sent  it? 
(DESIRE  5065  and  shakes  and  will  not  answer.} 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (with  authority}.  Answer  the 
Governor,  thou  naughty  child. 

DESIRE  (lowering  her  apron).  Marry,  because  she 
(looking  at  PRISCILLA)  hath  bewitched  him,  and  I  wot 
well  he  would  take  it  from  her  without  gainsaying. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  But  what  was  it  thou  gavest 
to  Captain  Standish? 

DESIRE  (pouting).  'T  was  —  there  was  wench  here 
with  the  salvages,  and  Squanto  told  me  she  was  a  wise 
woman  and  knew  how  to  work  spells.  (She  covers  her 
face  with  apron  and  cries.) 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (sternly).  Go  on,  Desire, 
tell  more. 

DESIRE  (sobbing  and  chewing  an  end  of  her  hair  and 
looking  with  hatred  at  PRISCILLA).  And  so  we  went  into 
the  fields  and  pulled  herbs  and  we  knew  each  other's 
meaning  —  she  talked  a  little  English  and  I  made 
signs  and  I  gave  her  the  buckle  of  my  belt  which  was 
broke  and  none  could  mend  it  — 

PRISCILLA.  Truly  a  generous  gift  (sarcastically). 

DESIRE  (making  a  face  at  her).  And  in  a  swamp  she 
found  some  herbs  for  which  she  sought  and  gave 
them  to  me. 


SCENE  1]    STANDISH-  OF  STANDISH  55 

MISTRESS  BREWSTEB.  What  did  you  do  with  the 
herbs,  child? 

(SQTJANTO  slides  in  and  watches  with  a  grin.  He 

has  autumn  leaves  and  a  dish  of  clams.) 
DESIRE.  She  said  to  steep  them  well  and  give  the 
broth  to  any  man  I  loved  and  it  would  turn  his  fancy 
upon  me. 

BRADFORD.  A  love-philter,  on  my  soul!  What  says 
the  Latin  poet  —  Vade  retrogade  Sathanae. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  What  was  the  herb  like, 
girl?  Hast  any  more  of  it  in  store  for  a  second  brew? 
DESIRE  (squirming) .  Mayhap  —  a  little. 
BRADFORD.  Go  and  fetch  it,  Desire.  And  do  thou 
go  with  her,  Priscilla,  and  see  that  the  wretched  wench 
doth  not  make  way  with  it. 

(PRISCILLA  takes  hold  of  her  arm  and  pushes  her 
out  as  she  balks    and   almost   stumbles   over 
SQUANTO,  who  grins  at  her  and  she  screeches 
and  runs,  with  PRISCILLA  beside  her.) 
MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (to  BRADFORD).  What  shall 
we  do  with  such  a  child,  full  of  jealous  fancies  and 
evil  thoughts? 

BRADFORD.  John  Rowland  is,  after  a  sort,  be 
trothed  to  the  poor  bemused  child.  I  think  it  well  to 
summon  him  that  he  may  advise  us  as  to  the  sequel 
of  this  folly,  if  no  worse.  I  will  call  him  from  the 
Common  House  where  he  is  writing  records  to  send 
back  in  the  Fortune.  (He  goes  out.) 

(SQUANTO  comes  forward  with  leaves  and  some 

clams.) 

SQUANTO  (to  MARY).  Mistress  Priscilla?  She  no 
here? 


56  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  in 

MARY.  She  will  be  here  soon,  Squanto.  What  do 
you  wish? 

SQUANTO.  I  give  her  clams  to  cook;  make  .broth 
with  —  light  —  dumlins  —  very  nice. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Yes,  Squanto;  Priscilla 
makes  light,  fine  dumplings.  By  the  by,  can  you  tell 
us  more  about  this  squaw  who  gave  some  herbs  to 
Desire  Minter? 

SQUANTO  (coming  forward  and  bowing).  Winona; 
Winona;  she  know  much  about  herbs;  she  help  father, 
our  medicine  man.  (To  MARY.)  Like  this  bright  leaf? 

MARY  (taking  the  autumn  leaves).  Indeed,  I  do  like 
them,  Squanto;  they  are  beautiful  and  I  will  lay 
them  on  the  table  and  make  it  fine  for  the  clam 
stew  and  the  sallet  that  Priscilla  will  make  from 
savory  plums. 

(DESIRE  and  PRISCILLA  enter,  followed  by  BRAD 
FORD  and  JOHN  ROWLAND  talking  earnestly, 
ROWLAND  shaking  his  head  vehemently;  DESIRE 
has  a  handful  of  herbs  which  BRADFORD  exam 
ines  and  takes  from  her,  moving  towards  MIS 
TRESS  BREWSTER.) 

BRADFORD.  Dr.  Fuller  and  I  have  examined  this 
herb  and  we  think  it  is  Plantanthera  Satyrion,  the 
herb  supposed  to  give  vigor  to  the  hearts  of  wild  men 
whom  the  mythologists  celebrate. 

MARY  (bending  over  the  herb  and  smelling  if).  I 
should  have  taken  it  for  the  iris  whose  flower  I  have 
noted  in  these  swamps.  (PRISCILLA  nods.) 

BRADFORD.  It  is  kin  to  it,  distant  kin,  with  the 
difference  that  maketh  one  harmless  and  the  other 
injurious.  It  has  proved  only  nauseous  to  the  good 


SCENE  i]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  57 

Captain,  thank  God.  Our  good  chirurgeon  has  brought 
relief  to  him. 

SQUANTO  (with  angry  look  and  pointing  a  long  fin 
ger  at  DESIRE).  She  bad  squaw  —  she  would  harm 
our  Sword  —  our  Captain. 

(DESIRE  looks  at  him,  shivers,  squeals,  and  throws 
her  apron  over  her  face.) 

BRADFORD  (to  HOWLAND,  who  has  stood  silent  and 
severe  by  the  door).  John  Rowland,  it  seemeth  to  me 
that  since  this  maid  is  betrothed  to  thee,  and  is  man 
ifestly  unfit  to  guide  herself,  that  it  is  best  for  you  to 
marry  her  here  and  now,  and,  after  that,  train  her 
into  more  discretion  than  she  naturally  showeth. 
(PRISCILLA  and  MARY  talk  in  whispers  and  shake 
heads  with  sympathetic  looks  towards  HOWLAND.) 

JOHN  HOWLAND  (coming  forward  with  manly  stride, 
looking  with  aversion  at  DESIRE,  who  peeks  out  from  her 
apron  at  him  as  he  speaks  to  BRADFORD)  .  Honored  Gov 
ernor  and  you,  dear  Mistress  Brewster,  may  it  please 
you  both,  it  seemeth  to  me  that  a  woman  who  shows 
so  little  modesty  in  the  pursuit  of  one  man  is  scarce 
fit  for  another.  I  did  promise  my  late  dear  Mistress 
Carver,  when  she  was  a-dying,  because  this  girl  (with 
scorn)  was  her  ward,  that  I  would  care  for  her  and,- 
if  need  be,  take  her  to  wife;  but  sure  am  I  that  if  that 
godly  and  discreet  matron,  Mistress  Carver,  were 
alive,  or  if  she  knew  aught  of  this  that  Desire  hath 
done,  she  would  not  hold  me  to  my  word,  would  free 
me  from  any  bonds  —  the  rather  that  I  have  never 
looked  upon  her  (with  glance  of  dislike)  with  that 
tenderness  that  God  putteth  in  our  hearts  towards 
those  —  (He  pauses  and  drops  his  head.) 


58  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

DESIRE  (snatching  down  her  apron  and  stamping 
her  foot).  Nay,  then,  if  it  comes  to  that,  John  How- 
land,  I  hate  and  despise  thee  and  always  have  done 
so;  and  if  I  took  thee  for  my  bachelor  at  all  it  was  only 
in  hope  that  't  would  give  a  jealous  twinge  to  the 
heart  of  a  better  man,  and  if,  at  the  last,  I  failed  of 
him,  thou  wouldst  be  better  than  none;  but  I've 
changed  my  mind  and  now  I  '11  none  of  thee  — 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (rising  in  anger  and  leaning 
for  support  on  PRISCILLA).  Peace,  shameless  wench! 
Profane  not  the  ears  of  decent  women  with  such  talk! 
John  Howland,  it  is  my  judgment  that  thou  art  free 
of  the  pledge  to  marry  the  girl,  if  pledge  it  be.  What 
say  you,  Governor? 

BRADFORD  (rising  and  moving  towards  the  door, 
while  SQUANTO  drains  the  flagon  on  the  table  and  looks 
into  the  pitcher  which  is  empty) .  I  agree  that  since  both 
man  and  maid  desire  to  render  back  their  troth,  they 
should  be  permitted  to  do  so;  and  I  further  suggest 
that  by  the  first  occasion  presenting,  Desire  Minter 
be  sent  back  to  her  friends  in  England,  who  will,  as 
Mistress  Carver  told  me,  be  content  to  receive  her. 
JOHN  HOWLAND.  Amen  to  that;  and  many  thanks 
to  you  (to  BRADFORD)  and  to  you,  Mistress  Brewster. 
(He  turns  towards  the  door;  DESIRE  rushes  past 

him;  SQUANTO  seizes  his  bow  and  arrow  and 

pretends  to  aim  at  DESIRE  with  a  hissing  sound; 

she  screams,  stumbles,  recovers,  and  runs  out; 

PRISCILLA,   with   MISTRESS   BREWSTER   and 

BRADFORD,  move  towards  door.) 
MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  What  a  disgraceful  wench 
she  is,  and  yet  I  feel  sorry  for  the  poor,  motherless 


SCENE  i]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  59 

child !  I  must  see  that  she  does  no  more  harm  to  others 
or  herself  while  she  is  here,  for  the  sake  of  dear  Mis 
tress  Carver's  memory.  I'll  consult  Mistress  Hop 
kins  and  perchance  we  can  send  her  back  to  England 
on  the  Fortune,  if  there  be  any  woman  on  board  fit 
to  have  charge  of  her.  (They  go  out.) 

(MARY  CHILTON  sits  by  the  fireplace  and  breaks 
off  twigs  of  autumn  leaves;  JOHN  ALDEN  enters, 
but  does  not  see  her  at  first;  he  seems  to  be  looking 
for  some  one  near  the  spinning-wheel;  then,  with 
a  glance  at  MART,  he  comes  to  her  side.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Ah,  Mistress  Mary,  was  n't  that  a 
glad  sight  yesterweek  to  see  our  own  flag  of  old  Eng 
land  on  the  ship,  the  Fortune!  How  excited  we  all 
were,  even  the  Governor  and  the  Captain,  when  they 
found  it  was  not  a  French  privateer  as  they  feared, 
because  of  the  war  between  France  and  England, 
come,  mayhap,  to  harry  the  settlement,  but  our  own 
red  cross  of  England  and  the  dear  home  colors.  And 
did  the  Fortune  bring  to  you  news  of  home,  Mary, 
as  to  so  many  of  the  Colony? 

MARY  (shaking  her  head  slowly).  Nay,  there  are 
none  left  there  of  my  nearest  kin  save  a  sister  in 
Holland.  Father  and  mother  and  I  came  and  only  I 
am  left.  (She  leans  her  head  on  her  hands.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (looking  tenderly  at  her).  Nay,  Mary, 
so  fair  and  good  a  wench  as  thou,  wilt  never  stay 
without  friends.  Thou  wouldst  never  flout  an  honest 
fellow's  love,  and  draw  him  on,  and  turn  him  back, 
and  use  him  worse  than  a  baby  doth  its  poppet.  (He 
walks  the  floor  in  agitation.)  The  man  who  marries 
thee  will  never  rue  it. 


60  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

MARY  (looking  up  shyly).  I  know  not,  for  love 
and  sweethearts  have  not  come  my  way  yet.  'T  is 
Priscilla  whom  all  men  seek,  and  she,  in  a  merry 
mood,  listeneth  to  all  and  still  keepeth  her  own  mind 
secret.  She  is  well  content  now,  for  Philip  De  la  Noye, 
who  came  in  the  Fortune,  has  brought  to  her  news  of 
his  brother's  happy  marriage. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (stopping  beside  the  wheel  and  speak 
ing  with  excitement).  What,  is  the  fellow  they  call 
Jacques,  the  brother  of  Jeanne  De  la  Noye,  really 
married?  (MARY  nodds.)  Oh,  Mary,  wilt  thou  not 
have  compassion  on  a  poor  stupid  oaf  who  is  no 
match  for  thee  or  Priscilla  in  subtlety  and  yet  loveth 
yon  maid  as  it  is  not  well  for  man  to  love  aught  save 
his  Maker.  Tell  me,  Mary,  doth  think  she  cares  aught 
for  me? 

MARY  (smiling  at  him).  Nay,  John,  that  is  a  ques 
tion  none  but  she  should  answer.  Thou  lovest  her 
overmuch.  No  man  will  ever  care  for  me  like  that, 
for  I  have  not  the  skill  to  hide  my  mind  as  Priscilla 
hath.  But  I  '11  help  thee,  John,  if  I  can,  for  I  do  believe 
thou  'It  make  the  dear  maid  happy  if  she  will  but 
stay  in  one  mind  long  enow  to  wed  thee. 

(Outside  is  heard  PRISCILLA'S  voice  talking  gayly 
and  a  man's  voice;  then  hers,  saying,  "  Au  revoir, 
Philip,  until  the  morrow";  she  enters  gayly, 
looks  at  JOHN  and  MARY  in  wonder  and  then 
amusement,  takes  off  her  cape  and  goes  to  fire 
place  while  JOHN  stands  with  head  bowed.) 
PRISCILLA.  Oh,  Mary,  by  the  way,  John  Winslow 
would  fain  find  thee,  dear  maid;  he  knows  not  our 
settlement  well  as  yet,  seeing  he  has  been  here  only  a 


SCENE  i]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  61 

few  days  and  he  would  gather  some  clams  for  me  on 
the  beach,  so  I  may  cook  them  in  shells.  Wilt  show 
him  where  they  may  be  found?  (She  laughs  teasingly 
and  stirs  the  fire.) 

(MARY  rises  with  embarrassment,  then  with  a 
long  look  at  JOHN  she  puts  on  her  cape,  mov 
ing  towards  door.) 

MARY  (looking  at  PRISCILLA  with  a]bit  of  resent 
ment.)  I  must  hasten  back  to  our  dear  mother  and 
see  if  she  would  taste  a  bit  of  porridge.  Gilbert 
Winslow  may  well  show  his  brother  where  are  clams. 
(She  goes  out.) 

PRISCILLA  (laughing  and  looking  after  her).  Ah, 
Mistress  Mary,  in  spite  of  thy  maidenly  shyness, 
John  Winslow  is  finding  a  place  in  thy  demure  and 
gentle  heart  that  his  brother  Gilbert  ne'er  could  win 
in  all  these  dreary  months.  The  Fortune  hath  brought 
good  tidings  in  many  forms. 

(She  takes  down  shells  from  the  cupboard  and 
places  them  on  a  platter  and  starts  to  go  out 
when  JOHN  ALDEN  stands  before  her,  with  out 
stretched  hands. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Wilt  answer  me  one  little  question 
in  good  faith,  Priscilla? 

PRISCILLA.  In  good  faith,  if  at  all,  John.  (She  puts 
shells  and  platter  on  the  table.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Then,  what  bond  is  there  betwixt 
thee  and  Jacques  De  la  Noye? 

PRISCILLA.  None  save  good  will  and  auld  acquaint 
ance. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  But  there  was? 
PRISCILLA  (in  a  teasing  tone).  Was  there? 


62  'STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  m 

JOHN  ALDEN  (very  soberly}.  Nay,  now,  Priscilla,  I 
speak  to  thee  in  sober  sadness,  and  I  ask  thee  such 
reply  as  honest  maid  should  give  to  honest  man  who 
woos  her  for  his  wife.  If  we  fall  to  quips  and  cranks 
and  wordy  play,  thou  'rt  so  far  out  of  my  reach  that 
I  never  come  near  thee,  for  I'm  but  a  plain,  simple 
fellow,  Priscilla,  and  I  love  thee  more  than  I  love 
aught  else  but  God  and  the  truth.  Give  me  a  plain 
answer  now  and  have  pity  of  my  misery!  Hath  aught 
that  this  lad,  Philip,  brought  thee  of  news  changed 
thy  will  or  intent  towards  me? 

PRISCILLA  (sitting  upon  a  stool  as  JOHN  stands 
above  her;  she  extends  a  hand  to  him  which  he  grasps 
eagerly,  still  standing).  Yes,  John,  I  will  answer  thee 
truly  and  soberly.  Philip  De  la  Noye  hath  brought 
news  that  sets  me  free  from  a  teasing  obligation  of 
which  no  man  knows.  Marie  and  Jeanne,  his  sisters, 
are  my  dear  gossips  and  their  brother,  Jacques,  would 
fain  have  been  my  bachelor  in  Leyden,  but  I  was  too 
young,  my  father  saith,  and  he  cared  not  greatly  for 
Jacques,  who  was,  to  tell  truth,  somewhat  gay  and 
debonair  of  temper  and  no  church  member  (with  a 
smile)  —  no,  not  he.  So,  when  we  parted  from  Ley- 
den,  to  come  hither,  Jacques  would  fain  have  me 
promise  to  wed  no  man  but  him,  and  he  would  come 
hither  so  soon  as  he  was  his  own  master. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  And  didst  promise,  Priscilla? 

PRISCILLA  (tossing  her  head  and  drawing  her  hand 
away  gently).  Well,  nay  and  yea,  John.  I  said  I  knew 
not  what  might  meet  me  here  and  —  but  at  last  I 
promised  to  wait  until  the  first  ship  had  followed  us 
and,  if  Jacques  should  come  in  her,  I  would  —  would 
listen  to  him  again. 


SCENE  1]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  63 

JOHN  ALDEN  (bending  towards  her).  And  that  was 
all  thy  promise,  Priscilla? 

PRISCILLA.  Aye,  and  it  was  enow,  for  before  we 
landed  on  yonder  rock  I  knew  that  I  cared  not  for 
Jacques  De  la  Noye.  Beside  the  death-bed  of  my 
mother  and  again  by  that  of  my  brother,  I  knew  that 
life  was  darker  and  deeper  than  Jacques  could  ever 
fathom.  (She  hides  her  face  in  her  hands.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (touching  her  hair  tenderly).  Ah,  Pris 
cilla,  nobly  didst  thou  bear  that  sorry  load  of  woe  and 
care. 

PRISCILLA  (looking  up  gratefully).  And  so  soon  as 
Philip  saw  me,  he  delivered  himself  of  the  news  that 
Jacques,  some  three  months  since,  was  wed  to  a 
Flemish  maid,  who  ever  looked  kindly  upon  him  and 
(with  spirit)  is  welcome  to  him. 

JOHN  ALDEN.  Say  you  that  honestly,  Priscilla? 

PRISCILLA.  As  honestly  as  thyself  could  speak,  lad. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  excitement).  And  thou'rt  heart- 
whole? 

PRISCILLA  (moving  towards  the  spinning-wheel). 
Nay,  I  said  not  exactly  that. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (with  a  manner  of  sternness).  What! 
Dost  thou  really  care  for  Captain  Standish? 

PRISCILLA  (sitting  at  the  wheel).  As  I  care  for  the 
Governor  and  the  doctor,  no  more,  no  less.  (She  looks 
at  JOHN'S  face  and  laughs.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (standing  before  her,  with  manly  voice 
and  attitude).  Priscilla,  wilt  thou  be  my  wife?  (His 
voice  quivers  at  the  last  word  and  his  face  is  tense.) 

PRISCILLA  (coyly).  Now,  John,  why  didst  thou  not 
ask  that  at  first  rather  than  at  last?  Thou  'rt  too  fond 


64  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH       [ACT  in 

of  quip  and  wordy  warfare,  John,  too  much  given  to 
fence  and  intrigue.  (Looks  roguishly  at  him,) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (seizing  both  her  hands  and  pressing 
them  upon  his  heart  as  he  raises  her  to  her  feet).  Nay, 
then,  Priscilla,  I'll  not  be  turned  aside  again,  try 
as  thou  wilt.  Priscilla,  wilt  thou  be  my  wife? 

PRISCILLA  (not  looking  at  his  face).  I  never  could 
bear  a  cuckoo  song  all  on  two  notes,  and  if  thou  'rt 
bound  to  say  that  phrase  over  and  over  until  't  is 
answered  — 

JOHN  ALDEN  (looking  lovingly  at  her).  'T  is  just 
what  I  am  bound  to  say  —  Priscilla,  wilt  thou  be 
my  wife? 

PRISCILLA  (hiding  her  face  a  bit).  Yes,  John,  I  will, 
and  now  I  hope  thou'rt  content.    (He  kisses  her.) 
(MARY  CHILTON  enters  hastily,  looks  at  them, 
withdraws  with  a  clap  of  her  hands  and  a  laugh; 
PRISCILLA  hears  her  and  breaking  from  JOHN 
goes  to  the  door  and  calls.) 

PRISCILLA.  Mary !  Mary  Chilton !  Come  back  here. 
If  you  and  I  hasten  not  there  will  be  little  sup  to 
night.  (She  goes  to  the  table  and  gathers  up  the  shells  and 
MARY,  smiling,  grasps  JOHN  ALDEN'S  hand  with  sym 
pathetic  joy,  while  PRISCILLA'S  back  is  towards  them). 
Desire  is  naught  for  help  and  Elizabeth  Tilley 
thinks  only  of  John  Rowland,  who  will  soon  wed 
her,  I  believe;  the  dear  mother  hath  her  son  and  only 
you  and  I  are  left  to  do  a  hand's  turn. 

JOHN  ALDEN  (coming  forward  eagerly.)  Here  am  I, 
Priscilla,  and  I'll  help  thee  in  any  way  I  can,  if  thou 
wilt  let  me. 

PRISCILLA  (with  a  laugh).  They  say  they  came  near 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  65 

bringing  a  Jack-of-all-trades  in  the  Fortune,  but  had 
no  room  for  him;  so  thou  mayst  take  his  place  and 
fetch  me  a  bucket  of  water  from  the  spring.  There's 
little  difference  betwixt  Jack  and  John. 

(He  takes  the  bucket  from  fireplace  and  they  all 
go  out  talking.) 

CURTAIN 


SCENE  2 
SCENE:  Same  interior.  TIME '.fifteen  minutes  later. 

BRADFORD  (sitting  in  armchair,  to  STANDISH,  who  is 
walking  the  floor}.  Nay,  Standish,  thou'rt  unreason 
able  to  quarrel  with  another  man's  conscience  so 
that  it  thwarts  not  thine. 

MILES.  I  meant  not  to  forget  courtesy,  nay,  nor 
friendship,  Bradford;  but  my  speech  is  ever  hasty 
and  none  too  smooth  and  —  I  sleep  not  well  of  late. 
(He  sits  down  at  table.)  So  thou  wilt  marry,  anon? 

BRADFORD  (moving  chair  towards  table).  I'll  tell 
thee,  friend,  and  thou  'rt  the  first  I  Ve  told.  There  is 
a  lady  in  the  old  country  — 

MILES  (interrupting).  Which  old  country?  The 
Netherlands  or  England? 

BRADFORD.  She  is  in  England,  or  was  when  we  set 
forth.  Thou  must  have  seen  her  —  Alice  Carpenter, 
who  wedded  Edward  Southworth  in  Amsterdam. 

MILES.  Oh,  aye,  a  fair  and  discreet  dame.  And 
she  was  left  a  widow  not  many  days  before  we  left 
England,  if  I  mistake  not.  Oh,  I  recall  now  what  I 
have  heard  —  was  she  not  an  old  flame  of  thine  and 


66  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

thou  'rt  of  a  mind  to  kindle  it  once  more  (with  some 
sarcasm). 

BRADFORD.  Something  so  (with  a  pause)  —  and 
now  Mistress  Southworth  will  come  by  the  next  ship. 

MILES  (sitting  down  on  stool).  Perchance  I'll  send 
for  my  cousin,  Barbara,  to  come  under  charge  of 
Mistress  Southworth,  't  is  a  good  wench  and  witty, 
perchance  a  foil  she  might  be  to  the  quips  and  flouts 
of  Mistress  Molines.  Nay,  but  Barbara  hath  a  gentle 
heart. 

BRADFORD.  What  ails  thee,  Miles?  Thou  'rt  sorely 
chafed  at  something.  Is  aught  amiss  that  I  can 
help? 

MILES  (looking  out  of  the  door).  Nay,  Will,  't  is 
naught  and  less  than  naught.  'T  is  but  a  new  knowl 
edge  of  mine  own  unworthiness.  Sure  "  never  such  a 
fool  as  an  old  fool"  is  a  good  proverb. 

BRADFORD.  'T  is  not  to  a  fool  that  we  trusted 
the  lives  of  ten  out  of  our  nineteen  men  in  our  first 
skirmish  with  the  salvages.  (With  a  gentle  look  at 
MILES.) 

MILES  (rising  and  marching  across  the  room).  Oh, 
I  can  fight  well  enow.  'T  is  my  trade  and  all  I  'm  fit 
for.  Aye,  and,  in  my  mood  to-day,  I  '11  be  fain  to  fight. 
(JOHN  ALDEN  enters  in  haste  with  the  bucket  of 
water;  MILES  stops  him  and  demands,  "  Salute, 
if  you  please,  Master  Alden! "  With  amazement 
JOHN  salutes,  puts  down  bucket  and  goes  out, 
while  BRADFORD  laughs,  and  MILES  turns  an 
grily  to  him.) 

MILES.  'T  is  not  for  mine  own  glory,  Will,  as  thou 
knowest.  But  in  matters  military  even  more  than 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  67 

civil,  it  needs  that  one  man  should  be  at  the  head,  and 
command  the  respectful  observance  as  well  as  obedi 
ence  of  those  under  his  command.  There  have  been 
signs  of  laxness  of  late  in  such  respect.  It  is  not  Miles 
Standish  whom  the  soldiers  of  Plymouth  salute, 
when  they  enter  this  poor  hut,  but  the  Captain  of 
the  Colony's  forces.  Do  you  disapprove  of  the  salute, 
or  of  any  other  of  my  military  ordonnances? 

BRADFORD  (gently,  with  a  smile},  I  disapprove  of 
naught,  old  comrade,  but  of  a  certain  want  of  pa 
tience  beneath  a  friend's  jest  which  I  have  sometimes 
marked;  but  Miles  there  's  enow  to  make  the  Gov 
ernor  of  this  Colony  sorry  and  sober,  and  thou 
shouldst  not  begrudge  him  a  moment  of  merriment 
even  at  thine  own  cost. 

MILES  (coming  over  and  placing  his  hand  on  BRAD 
FORD'S  shoulder  as  he  sits).  Nor  do  I,  as  well  thou 
knoweet,  Will.  'T  is  only  that  I  am  as  ever  a  hot 
headed  fool  and  ill  deserve  a  friend  like  thee.  And  now, 
what  thinkest  thou  of  Master  Cushman's  errand  and 
the  chidings  of  Weston  and  those  London  traders 
that  we  sent  them  not  a  cargo  by  the  Mayflower? 
We,  who  (with  anger)  had  much  ado  to  dig  the  graves 
of  half  our  company  and  find  food  for  the  rest,  to  be 
rated  like  laggard  servants  because  we  laded  not  that 
old  hulk  with  merchandise  for  their  benefit. 

BRADFORD.  Aye,  Master  Weston's  letter  was  some 
what  hard  to  bear,  albeit  we  should  excuse  much  to 
his  ignorance  of  our  surroundings.  We  will  send  back 
in  the  Fortune  a  good  cargo  of  sassafras  which  will 
be  a  panacea  to  the  chirurgeons,  and  hogsheads  full 
of  beaver  skins,  and  the  rest  of  the  hold  will  be  given 


68  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

up  to  clapboards  —  the  whole  cargo  will  be  worth  at 
least  five  hundred  pounds. 

MILES.  'T  is  far  more  than  they  deserve  after  that 
letter  —  (He  pours  out  a  goblet  of  water  from  the  bucket 
and  drinks  it.) 

BRADFORD  (searching  in  his  leathern  jerkin  and 
bringing  out  a  roll  of  paper).  I  have  writ  a  reply  to 
Master  Weston's  letter,  and  am  fain  to  have  your 
mind  upon  it,  for  I  would  not  be  over-bitter,  and 
yet  was  shrewdly  wounded  that  John  Carver,  lying 
in  his  honored  grave,  should  be  so  rudely  attacked. 
Shall  I  read  it? 

MILES  (walking  restlessly  with  sword  at  his  side). 
Aye,  an  thou  wilt,  though  I'm  more  than  half  in 
mind  to  take  passage  by  the  Fortune,  and  give  Master 
Weston  and  the  rest  a  reply  after  mine  own  fashion. 

BRADFORD  (smiling).  What,  and  leave  the  train 
band  of  Plymouth  to  its  own  destruction!  (He  reads.) 
Here  is  my  poor  script:  "To  the  worshipful  Master 
Thos:  Weston:" 

MILES.  Little  worship  would  he  get  from  me! 

BRADFORD  (reading).  "Sir,  —  Your  large  letter 
written  to  Mr.  Carver  and  dated  the  16th  of  July, 
1621,  I  have  received  the  20th  of  Nov'br,  wherein 
you  lay  many  heavy  imputations  upon  him  and  us 
all.  Touching  him  he  is  departed  this  life,  and  now  at 
rest  in  the  Lord  from  all  those  troubles  and  incum- 
brances  with  which  we  are  yet  to  strive." 

MILES  (walking  fast).  Aye,  't  would  be  well  for 
Master  Weston's  proud  spirit  if  he  were  to  share 
a  few  of  our  privations.  Live  on  corn  porridge  and 
treacle  for  a  month! 


69 


BRADFORD  (with  a  smile,  reading).  "Carver  needs 
not  my  apology;  for  his  care  and  pains  were  so  great 
for  the  common  good  both  ours  and  yours  as  that 
therewith,  it  is  thought,  he  oppressed  himself  and 
shortened  his  days,  of  whose  loss  we  cannot  suffi 
ciently  complain.  At  great  charges  in  this  Adven 
ture  I  confess  you  have  been  —  " 

MILES  (interrupting).  "Charges  you  have  been  — " 
Sure  he  took  from  us  all  he  could  before  we  sailed 
and  sent  us  impoverished  in  a  crowded,  ill-fitted 
boat  to  weather  the  wild  seas  of  winter  —  They  were 
more  pirates  than  Adventurers,  in  sooth! 

BRADFORD  (shaking  his  head).  Hist,  Miles!  Let  me 
finish  the  script.  "At  great  charges  in  this  Adventure 
I  confess  you  have  been,  and  many  losses  you  may 
sustain;  but  the  loss  of  his  and  many  other  honest 
and  industrious  men's  lives  cannot  be  valued  at  any 
price.  Of  the  one  there  may  be  hope  of  recovery,  but 
the  other  no  recompense  can  make  good."  (He  re 
turns  the  letter  to  his  jerkin.) 

MILES  (bursting  out  with  indignation).  Oh,  you're 
too  mild,  Bradford;  you  should  bombard  him  with 
red-hot  shot,  hurl  a  flight  of  grape,  a  volley  of  canister 
into  his  midst  —  nay,  then,  I'll  go  myself  and  with 
a  blow  of  my  gauntlet  across  Master  Weston's  ears  — 
(Wild  shouts  are  heard  outside  and  screams;  also 
rapid  drum-beats  and  PRISCILLA,  with  hair  fly 
ing  and  out  of  breath,  rushes  in,  shouting.) 

PRISCILLA.  Captain  —  Captain  Standish!  Master 
Warren  hath  sent  me  to  warn  you  that  some  of  the 
newcomers  are  building  a  bonfire  in  the  Town  Square 
and  sprinkling  the  pile  with  powder  —  and  they  ask 


70  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

your  council  at  the  Common  House  —  in  faith  I 
know  not  — 

MILES  (with  dignity,  going  out).  Pardon  me  if  I 
venture  to  cut  you  short  in  your  somewhat  long  mes 
sage,  Mistress,  but  I  fear  me  I  must  haste  to  the  bon 
fire  lest  it  may  become  a  blazing  settlement.  (With 
a  mock-bow  he  goes  out.) 

PRISCILLA  (looking  in  surprise  after  him  and  laugh 
ing).  Alack-a-day!  I  fear  me  I  forgot  to  make  the 
salute  to  the  Captain  for  the  want  of  which  he  hath 
sent  poor  John  Alden  almost  to  tears  by  his  coldness. 
Truly,  one  must  be  proud  of  the  Captain,  albeit  he  is 
so  sore  displeased  with  me  —  because  I  would  not  say 
yea  to  a  suit  that  he  felt  forced  to  proffer.  Well  — 
at  least  I  can  go  and  make  a  posset  for  my  dear  dame. 
(She  skips  about  the  room,  making  mock-salutes.) 

(MARY  CHILTON  enters  slowly  with  head  down, 
yet  smiling,  and  with  a  large  bunch  of  wild 
asters  and  autumn  leaves  in  her  hands.  She  sits 
down  dreamily  at  the  spinning-wheel,  and  PRIS 
CILLA,  unseen  by  her,  glides  up  and  puts  her 
hands  playfully  over  MARY'S  eyes;  she  pulls 
them  down  and  holds  PRISCILLA  by  the  hands.) 
MARY.  I  saw  thee  not,  Priscilla.  I  thought  thou 
wert  at  the  bonfire.  I  saw  John  Alden  there.  'T  is  a 
wild  wind  for  a  fire. 

PRISCILLA.  Where  did  you  find  those  gay  flowers, 
Mary? 

MARY  (shyly  and  with  a  smile).  I  was  walking  along 
the  meadow  by  Eel  River  — 

PRISCILLA  (taking  MARY'S  face  in  her  hands). 
Alone,  Mistress  Mary? 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  71 

MARY  (laughing').  No,  with  company. 
PRISCILLA.   Company  —  that  means  two  —  thee 
and  John  Winslow,  I'll  wager. 

MARY.  Well,  't  was  them  told  me  that  he  did  not 
know  the  settlement  very  well  and  might  get  lost 
gathering  clams.  (They  both  laugh.)  Priscilla  (with 
hesitation),  wilt  need  my  help  for  supper  to-night,  or 
canst  thou  spare  me  to  go  to  Mistress  Winslow's  to 
sup  —  for  I  am  bidden? 

PRISCILLA.  Surely,  a  little  welcome  supper  for 
"brother  John."  Take  a  flagon  of  my  ale  and  my 
compliments  to  Mistress  Winslow.  (PRISCILLA  fills 
a  flagon  with  ale,  then  searches  in  the  chest  anxiously, 
two  or  three  times  looking  about.)  'T  is  strange  where 
is  my  scarlet  riband  and  the  brooch;  it  is  ever  in 
this  chest. 

(She  goes  out  with  the  flagon,  followed  by  MARY, 
who,  not  heeding,  almost  collides  with  SQUANTO, 
who  comes  in,  looks  about,  grins,  sits  by  fire 
place  on  stool;  sees  cupboard  is  open  a  little  way 
and  the  case-bottle  on  the  lower  shelf;  he  creeps 
to  the  door,  looks  out,  creeps  back,  takes  down  a 
bottle  from  the  case,  drinks  a  long  drink,  smacks 
his  lips,  spills  a  little  on  the  chest  and  stoops  to 
lick  it  up  with  his  tongue,  and  pours  water  into 
bottle,  puts  back  the  case,  as  sounds  of  the 
drum  are  heard  and  talking  outside;  BRADFORD, 
MILES,  and  JOHN  ROWLAND  enter,  followed  by 
MISTRESS  BREWSTER,  who  stands  at  door,  lean 
ing  on  cane  at  first  as  the  three  men  consult  a 
rude  map  on  table.) 
MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  And  yet,  as  says  the  Elder, 


72  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH     [ACT  in 

we  came  among  these  salvages  to  convert  them  to 
the  knowledge  of  God,  not  to  slaughter  them. 

MILES  (turning  towards  her}.  Yet  to  me  it  seemeth, 
Mistress  Brewster,  it  may  be  a  question  of  their 
lives  or  our  own.  I  should  be  loth  to  see  the  Elder's 
gray  hairs  dabbled  with  blood  or  to  see  the  women 
of  the  settlement  carried  into  captivity  by  the  In 
dians. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  God's  will  be  done.  (She 
sits  down  in  chair  and  closes  her  eyes.} 

SQUANTO.  Corbitant  hate  white  man;  say  white 
man  wolf;  if  find  wolf  near  wigwam,  red  man  send 
arrow  through  his  head. 

BRADFORD.  This  sachem  of  the  Narragansetts, 
Corbitant,  is  surely  not  our  friend  and  he  fain  would 
persuade  Massasoit  to  become  an  enemy. 

MILES  (to  MISTRESS  BREWSTER).  Would  it  be 
fitting,  Mistress,  if  we  were  to  take  a  drop  to  moisture 
our  throats,  parched  by  the  smoke  of  the  fire? 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Aye,  and  glad  am  I  to 
have  my  ale  so  used  —  it  is  my  home-brewing  of 
many  weeks  agone.  John  Rowland,  wilt  thou  take 
down  the  case-bottle  and  pour  for  the  men?  —  there 
are  goblets  in  the  cupboard. 

(SQUANTO  grins  as  JOHN  pours;  he  takes  the  bottle 
untouched  by  SQUANTO  and  pours  for  BRAD 
FORD  and  MILES;  from  the  other  bottle,  adul 
terated  by  SQUANTO,  he  pours  a  full  goblet  for 
himself  and  a  smaller  mug  for  SQUANTO;  the 
latter  makes  up  a  wry  face,  but  drinks.) 

JOHN  ROWLAND  (with  surprise,  putting  down  his 
goblet  after  a  swallow  and  speaking,  so  MISTRESS 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  73 

BREWSTER  will  not  hear  him,  but  to  MILES).  That  was 
indeed  "pale  ale." 

MILES  (surprised).  'T  is  a  noble  brew  with  a  fine 
sharpness,  almost  as  of  wine.  (He  holds  his  goblet 
aloft  and  turns  to  MISTRESS  BREWSTER.)  We  drink  to 
your  better  health  and  thank  thee,  Mistress.  (BRAD 
FORD  jows  in  the  toast,  but  ROWLAND  does  not  drink, 
although  he  raises  his  glass;  SQUANTO  grins  and  goes 
out.) 

BRADFORD.  Squanto  has  of  late  been  making 
trouble  for  us  with  his  cock-and-bull  stories;  no 
wonder  that  Massasoit  was  aggrieved  at  his  tale  last 
week  that  Massasoit  with  Corbitant  was  coming  from 
Nemasket  to  attack  us,  when  Massasoit  was  ever 
loyal.  Could  he  have  got  Squanto  in  his  clutches  it 
would  have  gone  hard  with  the  poor  fool. 

MILES.  Yet  Squanto  is  no  fool;  he  hath  a  nimble 
wit  as  hath  my  Indian,  Hobomock,  but  he  ill  brooks 
any  other  favorites  among  the  red  men.  Didst  hear 
the  day  when  some  of  us  were  unearthing  a  keg  of 
powder  buried  on  the  hill  near  the  Fort,  and  he  and 
the  Indian  who  was  that  day  in  the  settlement  clomb 
the  hill  to  see  what  was  on.  When  they  saw  Alden 
hand  up  the  keg  to  Hopkins,  the  stranger  asked 
Squanto  what  it  meant,  and  Squanto  told  him  't  was 
the  plague  which  swept  the  land  before  our  coming; 
he  said  that  we  had  captured  it  and  kept  it  buried, 
but  would  loose  it  upon  the  red  men  who  were  our 
enemies;  the  Indian  was  well  scared  and  offered 
Squanto  big  furs  and  skins  if  he  would  keep  the 
plague  from  being  loosed  until  he  should  have  time 
to  return  to  his  tribe  at  Nemasket.  (All  laugh.) 


74  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

(A  uuild  shout  is  heard  outside  and  cries  of  "My 
boy!  my  boy!  He's  lost;  he'll  be  devoured  by  the 
Indians!  Oh,  where 's  Captain  Standish?  Oh,  I  hate 
you,  foul  Indian  beast,  and  all  your  kind!  Find  my 
boy,  I  say!") 

MILES  (hurrying  to  door).  'T  is  that  common  scold, 
Helen  Billington.  Never  did  I  hear  such  an  uproar  as 
she  can  make. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Never  did  I  see  a  mother 
who  could  so  berate  her  children  when  they  are  about 
her  and  so  bewail  them  when  they  are  out  of  her  sight. 
Yet  we  must  not  judge;  she  is  not  well  and  a  child 
is  a  child. 

(JOHN  ALDEN  enters  hastily,  pauses  and  is  about 
to  speak,  stops,  and  salutes  the  Captain,  while 
BRADFORD  hides  a  smile.) 

JOHN  ALDEN.  The  Billington  lad  has  gone  away, 
Captain,  and  his  mother  is  sore  distressed.  She  thinks 
he  has  been  stolen  by  some  stray  Indian  who  has 
come  to  see  Squanto,  and  she  is  attacking  Squanto 
with  a  shrewish  tongue;  the  lad's  brothers  say  he  has 
run  away  to  visit  the  Indian  camp  at  Nemasket  even 
as  he  ran  away  to  the  Nausets  six  months  agone. 
Wilt  send  out  a  searching  party,  Captain? 

MILES  STANDISH  (testily  at  first).  Perchance  it 
would  be  well  to  let  him  stay  away  this  time;  he's 
been  but  a  trouble  to  the  Colony  since  he  set  fire  to 
the  keg  of  gunpowder  under  his  father's  bunk  in  the 
Mayflower  and  well-nigh  blew  up  the  ship  and  killed 
us  all.  John  Billington  is  an  unwhipt  rascal  of  a  boy, 
ever  in  mischief. 

(Cries  repeated  outside  and  near  the  door;  voices 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  75 

saying:  "Where  is  Captain  Standish?  Why  don't 
they  do  something  for  the  poor  soul  who  is  so 
distracted  for  the  loss  of  her  boy?"  Murmur  of  assents 
behind  the  scenes.) 

BRADFORD.  The  Billingtons  can  rouse  much  agita 
tion  and  trouble  in  the  settlement.  The  men  might 
start  early  in  the  morning  and,  perchance,  find  the 
lad  on  their  way  to  the  Narragansetts,  if  such  be 
your  order,  Captain. 

(The  cries  are  heard  again  of  "My  boy!  Where  is 
he?  Find  him,  I  say!") 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (going  towards  door).  We 
must  silence  this  brawling  woman  if  aught  can  do  so. 
(She  goes  out.) 

BRADFORD.  This  chief,  Corbitant,  seems  to  mean 
treachery  and  he  must  be  severely  dealt  with.  If  he 
prove  as  represented,  Captain,  it  may  be  wise  to  slay 
him  if  he  cannot  be  persuaded  to  be  friends,  for  he  is 
the  heart  of  the  conspiracy. 

MILES.  Aye,  and  I  would  bring  his  head  to  be  set 
over  the  gate  of  the  Fort  as  a  warning  and  proof  to 
all  offenders.  Yet  I  am  no  cannibal  nor  will  I  shed 
blood  needlessly. 

(As  he  is  speaking  PRISCILLA  enters,  pulling 
DESIRE  MINTER  in  by  the  hand,  and  MARY 
CHILTON  follows  them.  DESIRE  hears  MILES 
speak  of  the  Indian's  head  and  utters  a  squeal 
and  would  pull  away,  but  is  held  by  PRISCILLA 
and  pushed  towards  the  chest;  PRISCILLA  talks  to 
her  in  low,  firm  tone,  and  JOHN  ALDEN  watches 
them.) 
BRADFORD.  And  now,  Captain  Standish,  it  were 


76  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

well  that  you  should  choose  those  whom  you  will 
have  of  your  company,  for  the  start  should  be  made 
early  in  the  day,  even  before  the  sun  arise. 

MILES  (looking  at  ALDEN  and  then  looking  away 
quickly).  I  will  choose  me  Hopkins,  Warren,  Rowland, 
Soule,  Eaton,  Browne,  and  Cooke,  —  hearts  of  oak 
and  arms  of  steel  have  all,  —  and  I  will  take  Billing- 
ton,  both  because  he  is  the  boy's  father  and  because 
he  may  stir  up  sedition  while  I  am  gone;  methinks 
I  should  take  also  Lister  and  Dotey,  for  they  are 
still  rankerous  in  spirit  towards  each  other  and  might 
try  to  fight  another  duel,  as  they  did  before.  (MILES 
takes  his  hat  and  moves  towards  door.) 

JOHN  ALDEN  (approaching  him  with  a  manner  and 
voice  of  pleading).  And  not  take  me,  Master? 

MILES  (looking  at  PRISCILLA,  whose  back  is  to  him, 
with  a  somewhat  bitter  laugh).  Nay,  Jack;  I've  a  text 
for  thee,  —  "I  have  married  a  wife  and  cannot  come." 
(He  goes  out  and  JOHN  looks  after  him  sadly,  then  drops 
his  head  and  stands  still.) 

(PRISCILLA,  who  has  heard  the  taunt,  turns  with 
flashing  eyes  and  looks  after  MILES,  sees  JOHN 
ALDEN  standing  with  his  hat  in  hand  at  door; 
steals  to  him,  touches  his  arm,  and  speaks  kindly 
in  a  whisper,  but  he  shakes  his  head;  he  gives 
her  a  long,  loving  look,  presses  her  hand,  and 
goes  out  sadly;  PRISCILLA  returns  to  the  rear; 
DESIRE  has  snatched  a  piece  of  biscuit  and  is 
munching  it,  while  MARY  is  looking  into  the 
cupboard;  BRADFORD  sits  at  table,  studying 
some  papers  which  he  has  taken  from  leathern 
jerkin;  MISTRESS  BREWSTER  comes  in,  with 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  77 

cane,  stops  at  table,  takes  large  Bible  to  her  chair 
and  sits  there,  reading.) 

PRISCILLA  (to  DESIRE).  Tell  us  now  where  you  have 
hid  the  riband  and  the  brooch;  tell,  or  I'll  report  thee 
to  the  Governor  for  a  thief. 

DESIRE  (her  mouth  full,  and  trying  to  swallow, 
chokes).  Nay,  I'm  no  thief;  I  told  thee  I  left  it  in  this 
room;  find  it  for  thyself. 

PRISCILLA.  Mary  and  I  haVe  searched  vainly  for 
it  and  thou  shall  tell  where  it  is  hid.  (She  looks  in 
drawer  in  table  and  raises  clothes  from  pegs.)  'T  was 
more  than  mischief  prompted  thee  to  take  it  from 
the  chest. 

DESIRE  (sullenly).  Perchance,  it  was;  but  't  was 
wicked  of  thee  to  keep  such  a  bauble  in  this  psalm- 
singing  settlement;  it  ill  became  the  shabby  gowns 
that  we  needs  must  wear.  I  fain  (with  a  hoarse  laugh) 
would  take  it  back  to  England  with  me  and  remove 
temptation  from  thee  —  and  Mary. 

(PRISCILLA,  looking  into  the  iron  pans  at  fire 
place,  stamps  her  foot  gently.) 

MARY.  Shame  on  thee,  Desire.  Hast  no  decency 
of  thought  or  words? 

PRISCILLA.  Thou  shalt  not  take  it  back  to  England; 
the  brooch  is  mine  and  I  '11  keep  it  for  my  mother's 
sake;  't  was  hers  and  her  own  hair  is  braided  in  it 
with  a  lock  of  my  brother's  when  he  was  a  babe. 
(She  is  almost  in  tears.) 

BRADFORD  (looking  up,  amazed,  turning  to  MIS 
TRESS  BREWSTER,  who  is  also  listening).  What  means 
this  wordy  battle,  Mistress  Brewster?  (To  PRIS 
CILLA.)  What  hath  Desire  done  now? 


78  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

PRISCILLA  (pointing  to  DESIRE).  She  hath  stolen  — 

DESIRE.  'T  is  a  lie! 

BRADFORD  (with  severity}.  Silence,  Desire.  Say  not 
a  word  until  Priscilla  hath  told  her  trouble. 

PRISCILLA.  Well,  she  hath  hid  a  bit  of  bright  riband 
that  I  wore  many  a  time  in  Holland  and  on  it  was 
my  gold-rimmed  brooch  that  was  my  mother's,  I 
fain  would  find  a  short  time  agone  to  (with  a  sly  look 
at  MARY,  who  drops  her  head)  put  it  on  Mary's  som 
ber  gown  when  she  goes  to  Master  Winslow's  to  sup 
to-night,  and  I  looked  for  it  in  the  chest  where  I  have 
ever  kept  it,  but  it  was  not  there.  I  thought,  dear 
mother,  (turning  to  MISTRESS  BREWSTER)  it  might 
be  in  the  bedroom  and  I  searched  there  in  that  chest 
and  table  and  found  it  not.  Desire  came  in  and  saw 
me  searching  and  asked,  "Had  I  lost  aught?"  and 
when  I  told  her  what  it  was  she  mocked  me  and  said, 
"What  will  you  give  me  if  I  find  it  for  you?"  She 
angered  me  with  her  flouts  and  I  knew  she  could  tell, 
but  would  not  of  its  whereabouts.  Mary  and  I  have 
searched  for  it,  since  she  saith  it  is  in  the  cabin,  but 
we  cannot  find  it,  and  she  avers  she  would  carry  it 
away  with  her  to-morrow  in  the  ship.  'T  was  my 
mother's  and  I  value  it;  it  is  almost  the  last  link  with 
my  happy  days  of  girlhood.  (She  covers  her  face  with 
her  hands.) 

BRADFORD  (rising  and  pointing  his  finger  at  DE 
SIRE).  Find  thou  the  brooch  and  give  it  to  Priscilla 
or  I  '11  order  thee  to  be  publicly  whipped  before  the 
Fortune  sails. 

(DESIRE  shivers  and  cowers;  then  moves  slowly  to 
the  warming  pan,  hanging  on  the  wall,  opens  it, 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  79 

takes  out  the  riband  and  brooch  and  throws  it  on 
the  table). 

BRADFORD  (seizing  her  by  the  hand).  Nay,  throw  it 
not;  give  it  to  its  owner.  And  to-morrow  we  are  well 
rid  of  such  a  mischief-maker  in  the  Colony. 

DESIRE  (reluctantly  handing  it  to  PRISCILLA,  then 
hurrying  towards  the  door).  Here,  take  the  old  bauble 
and  have  joy  of  it.  Glad  am  I  to  go  where  there  will 
be  no  brown-skinned  jade,  like  thee,  to  flirt  with  all 
the  men  and  flaunt  a  poor  maid,  and  where  there  will 
be  a  chance  of  some  decent  victual. 

(PRISCILLA  is  pinning  the  riband  and  brooch  on 
MARY'S  gown  at  the  neck;  MARY  protests  and 
they  both  laugh,  as  DESIRE  goes  out.) 

BRADFORD.  She  should  be  soundly  punished  for 
such  shameful  words.  She  should  have  a  lesson  in 
public  sight  for  her  impudence. 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER  (sadly).  Aye,  she  should  be 
dealt  with  and  would  be  were  she  to  remain  longer 
among  us.  But  let  it  pass  now,  Governor,  if  it  be  thy 
pleasure,  for  she  will  be  sailing  away  on  the  morrow. 
Poor  Mistress  Carver! —  and  she  tried  sore  hard 
to  train  the  wench  in  industry  and  breeding. 

PRISCILLA  (standing  in  front  of  MARY  with  her  head 
on  one  side).  Aye,  let  it  pass  and  we  will  all  say  "Good 
riddance"  to  her  to-morrow.  I  tried  to  be  kind  at 
first  to  the  girl,  but  she  has  seemed  to  rebuff  me  at 
all  times  and  has  shown  a  cruel  hatred  of  me  since 
she  was  foiled  in  her  love-philter  for  the  Captain. 
(To  MISTRESS  BREWSTER,  leading  MARY  towards  her; 
MARY  looks  conscious  and  shy.)  Doth  not  the  bit  of 
color  become  my  Mary,  dear  mother? 


80  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  m 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER    (hesitating).    Aye,    't  is  a 

pretty  brooch;  I  know  not  about  the  riband,  but 

't  is  natural  for  maids  to  crave  a  touch  of  brightness. 

MARY.  I  fear  me  that  Mistress  Winslow  will  not 

approve,  Priscilla. 

PRISCILLA  (putting  on  MARY'S  cape  as  BRADFORD 
puts  on  his  hat).  Mistress  Winslow  hath  fine  lace  and 
embroideries  on  her  garments  for  state  occasions  and 
she  will  not  deny  thee  a  symbol  of  thy  good  cheer  on 
this  festival  supper  for  her  brother,  John  Winslow. 
(Laughing  and  pushing  MARY  towards  the  door  after 
BRADFORD).  Go  you  now,  maid,  with  a  clear  con 
science  and  a  happy  face  and  follow  close  to  the 
Governor's  footsteps,  for  the  sun  is  set  and  the  dark 
comes  on  —  if  a  stray  Indian  should  see  thee  he 
might  capture  thee  for  the  sake  of  the  riband  and 
the  gold. 

(MARY  goes  out  giving  PRISCILLA'S  cheek  a  pinch 

and  then  a  kiss.) 

(PRISCILLA  takes  a  bayberry  candle  from  the  shelf 
above  the  fireplace,  lights  it  with  bit  of  thatch, 
sings  a  strain  of  the  French  song,  carries  the 
candle  to  the  table,  goes  to  the  chest,  and  takes 
out  a  piece  of  linen  and  some  thread  and  a  house 
wife;  she  brings  these  to  the  table,  sits  down  on 
stool  and  smiles  at  MISTRESS  BREWSTER,  who 
sits  with  folded  hands;  the  room  is  dimly  lighted. 
PRISCILLA  rises  hurridly,  puts  a  kettle  on  the 
hook  in  the  fireplace,  stirs  the  embers,  then  sits 
down  at  the  table  and  begins  to  mend  the  linen.) 
MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  Priscilla,  dost  feel  like  sing 
ing  to  me  for  a  little  while  the  porridge  is  heating 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  81 

for  the  evening-meal  for  the  Elder  and  Jonathan?  I 
love  well  to  hear  thee  sing  and  it  hath  been  a  weary 
day  —  thy  sweet  voice  can  bring  rest  to  my  soul. 

PRISCILLA.  Of  a  truth  it  hath  been  a  weary  and  a 
wearying  day  with  much  of  confusion  and  worry  and 
—  some  of  great  gladness  —  a  day  with  tales  of  sal 
vage  Indians  who  may  attack  us  and  of  a  love-philter 
that  might  have  destroyed  life,  reports  of  a  lost  child 
and  a  fire  that  might  endanger  the  settlement,  with 
a  new-found  lover,  methinks,  for  my  Mary,  with 
happiness  and  sadness  also  for  my  John  —  alack  — 
and  some  would  say  that  life  is  but  dull  in  Plymouth 
Colony!  Of  a  truth  it  will  be  a  good  ending  of  such  a 
day  to  sing  a  hymn  of  steadfastness  and  faith,  and 
I'll  gladly  sing,  dear  mistress,  while  I  mend  this 
linen.  (She  holds  it  up  and  shows  thin  places.)  It  is 
fast  melting  away  in  its  fine  meshes.  (She  sings  the 
third  stanza  of  Luther's  Hymn.) 

And  though  this  world,  with  devils  filled, 

Should  threaten  to  undo  us, 
We  will  not  fear,  for  God  hath  willed 

His  truth  to  triumph  o'er  us; 
The  prince  of  darkness  grim  — 
We  tremble  not  for  him; 

His  rage  we  can  endure. 

For  lo,  his  doom  is  sure; 
One  little  word  shall  fell  him. 

(MILES  comes  in  quietly  while  PRISCILLA,  with  her 
side  face  to  the  door  is  singing  and  she  does  not 
see  him  in  the  dim  light;  MISTRESS  BREWSTER'S 
hands  are  folded  and  her  eyes  are  closed;  MILES 
takes  down  his  sword  and  stands  silently  for  a 
moment  at  the  door  as  PRISCILLA  sings  on.) 


82  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

That  word  above  all  earthly  powers  — 

No  thanks  to  them-abideth; 
The  Spirit  and  the  gifts  are  ours, 

Through  Him  who  with  us  sideth; 
Let  goods  and  kindred  go, 
This  mortal  life  also; 

The  body  they  may  kill, 

God's  truth  abide th  still; 
His  kingdom  is  forever. 

(MILES  makes  a  sudden  movement,  almost  losing 
grasp  upon  his  sword,  and  PBISCILLA  starts, 
takes  the  candle  up  and  looks  at  him;  he  moves 
towards  MISTRESS  BREWSTEB  and  PRISCILLA 
puts  down  candle  on  table  and  sits  on  stool, 
mending.) 

MILES.  I  fain  would  take  my  sword  now,  for  the 
start  will  be  early  in  the  morning.  Wilt  bid  me  God 
speed?  I've  no  wife  nor  child  nor  near  kin  to  see  me 
off  (with  a  look  askance  at  PRISCILLA).  None  will  look 
on  a  battered  old  soldier  when  fresh  young  faces  are 
at  hand.  (He  moves  away.) 

MISTRESS  BREWSTER.  The  Lord  go  with  you,  Cap 
tain;  and  may  you  return  safely  and  without  blood 
shed,  with  "the  sword  of  the  Lord  and  of  Gideon." 
(He  goes  to  the  door,  bowing  to  MISTRESS  BREW 
STER  and  to  PRISCILLA,  as  he  would  pass  out; 
she  rises  with  impetuosity,  drops  her  linen  and 
hurries  to  the  door.) 

PRISCILLA.  Captain!  Captain  Standish! 
MILES  (coming  back  inside  door).  Your  commands, 
Mistress? 

PRISCILLA  (putting  out  her  hands  in  pleading  and 
he  comes  nearer  to  her;  they  stand  at  front  of  table).  Nay, 
nay,  sir!  My  father's  dear  loved  friend,  my  brother's 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  83 

tender  nurse,  —  mine,  for  when  I  was  low  with  the 
fever  't  was  you  with  tenderness  gave  me  drink,  — 
oh,  what  shall  I  say,  how  shall  I  plead  for  a  little 
kindness  now.  Have  pity  on  a  froward  maid's  dis 
tress!  (She  hides  her  face  in  hands  and  cries.) 

MILES  (with  kindly  tone}.  What,  Priscilla,  thou 
canst  weep? 

PRISCILLA  (looking  up).  And  why  not  when  my 
heart  is  sorrowful? 

MILES  (putting  his  hand  on  her  shoulder).  There, 
there,  child!  Look  up  and  let  me  see  thee  smile  as 
thou  art  wont!  What  is  it,  maid?  What  is  thy 
sorrow? 

PRISCILLA.  That  you  will  not  forgive  me,  sir. 

MILES  (dropping  his  hand  and  looking  on  the  floor 
sadly).  Forgive  thee,  for  what? 

PRISCILLA.  Thou  'rt  going  to  a  terrible  danger  and 
it  may  be  to  thy  death.  (She  hides  her  face  again.) 

MILES.  Well,  girl,  't  is  not  worth  crying  for,  if  I 
am.  Life  is  not  so  sweet  to  me  that  I  should  over 
much  dread  to  lay  it  down  with  honor. 

PRISCILLA.  Oh,  and  it  is  all  my  fault. 

(MILES  walks  the  floor  while  she  stands  with  head 
drooped.) 

MILES  (standing  before  her).  Priscilla,  I  was  indeed 
thy  father's  friend  and  I  am  thine  —  and  I  would 
have  wed  thee  and  thou  didst  not  —  refusing  be 
cause  thou  preferred  —  as  I  well  know,  now  mine 
eyes  are  opened  —  John  Alden,  who  is  also  my  friend, 
even  as  my  younger  brother,  whose  honor  and  well- 
being  are  as  dear  to  me  as  mine  own.  What,  then,  is 
thy  request  and  the  cause  of  this  grief? 


84 


PRISCILLA.  My  grief  is  that  since  the  day  I  gave 
John  Alden  the  answer  to  his  wooing  for  thee  (with  a 
sly  look}  through  him  as  envoy  —  and  he  spoke  nobly 
of  thy  virtues  and  thy  lineage  —  you  have  seemed  no 
more  my  friend,  but  have  looked  upon  me  with  cold 
ness;  and  now  that  you  go,  it  may  be  to  your  death, 
it  breaketh  my  heart  to  have  it  so,  and  I  fain  would 
beg  your  forgiveness  for  aught  I  have  done  to  offend 
you  (with  a  bit  of  old  spirit),  though  I  know  not  what 
it  may  be. 

MILES  (walking  floor,  then  stopping  and  smiling 
at  PRISCILLA,  extending  his  hand).  Well,  well,  I  for 
give  thee,  maiden,  for  what  seemed  to  me  like  some 
thing  of  scorn  and  slight  —  nay,  we  '11  say  no  more 
of  it.  Here  is  my  hand,  Priscilla,  and  surely  thy 
father's  friend  may  for  once  touch  thy  cheek.  (He 
kisses  her  cheek  lightly;  she  looks  down.)  Now,  child, 
we're  friends  and  dear  friends,  and  if  yon  salvage 
should  sheathe  his  knife  in  my  heart,  perhaps  thou  'It 
shed  a  tear  or  two,  and  say  a  prayer  for  the  soul 
of  —  thy  father's  friend.  And  now  thy  petition,  for 
time  presses. 

(MISTRESS  BREWSTER  raises  her  eyes  in  thanks 
giving  and  smiles.) 

PRISCILLA.  That  thou  wilt  take  John  Alden  with 
thee! 

MILES  (starting  with  surprise  and  laughing) .  What, 
then!  What  man  shall  ever  read  a  woman's  will 
aright!  I  left  him  at  home  for  thy  sake,  Priscilla. 

PRISCILLA.  So  I  judged,  and  I  thank  thee  —  no,  I 
thank  thee  not  for  so  misjudging  me.  (She  tosses  her 
head  and  walks  to  table.) 


SCENE  2]     STANDISH  OF  STANDISH  85 

MILES.  What,  now?  Dost  want  thy  troth-lover 
slain? 

PRISCILLA.  Nay,  in  truth,  nor  do  I  want  my  troth- 
plight  friend  (with  a  smile  at  MILES)  slain;  but  neither 
do  I  want  the  one  or  the  other  to  lurk  safely  at  home 
when  his  brothers  have  need  for  him  at  war.  (With 
much  spirit)  There's  no  coward's  blood  in  my  heart 
more  than  in  yours,  Captain  Standish,  and  I  care  not 
to  shelter  any  man  behind  my  petticoats.  John  Alden 
is  a  brave  man,  as  thou  knowest,  and  he  is  greatly 
grieved  because  thou  wilt  not  let  him  go  with  thee  as 
he  has  ever  done  and  been  of  noble  service  to  thee 
and  the  Colony.  I  have  not  wed  him,  nor  will  I  wed 
him  with  your  black  frown  upon  our  hearts;  let  him 
go  and  play  his  part,  as  he  would  fain  do  as  a  true 
soldier  upon  that  field  of  danger  whence  you  do  not 
care  greatly  to  come  alive.  (She  extends  both  hands  to 
him  and  he  grasps  them.) 

MILES.  Nay,  Priscilla,  I  care  far  more  for  life  than 
I  did  an  hour  since,  for  now  I  have  a  troth-plight 
friend.  And  if  my  kinswoman,  Barbara,  shall  come 
in  the  next  ship,  with  Mistress  Southworth,  Barbara 
and  thee  will  be  boon  friends,  I'm  sure,  for  ye  are 
both  witty  and  noble-hearted,  brave  women. 

PRISCILLA  (still  holding  his  hands  and  with  persis 
tence).  And  you  will  take  John?  And  if  he  comes  home 
alive  (with  a  little  shudder  and  repetition)  —  and  when 
he  comes  home,  you'll  smile  upon  our  marriage? 

MILES  (raising  and  pressing  her  hands  against  his 
breast).  Yea,  girl,  yea  to  both  requests.  God  bless  you, 
Priscilla,  for  a  brave  and  true  woman.  (He  releases 
her  hands  slowly  and  moves  towards  door.)  And  now 


86  STANDISH  OF  STANDISH      [ACT  in 

good  night  to  thee,  dear  friend,  and  to  dear  Mother 

Brewster  also. 

(He  bows  and  goes  out;  PEISCILLA  stands  a  mo 
ment,  then  kneels  beside  MISTRESS  BREWSTER, 
with  happy,  uplifted  head  and  smiling,  while 
MISTRESS  BREWSTER  places  her  hands  in 
blessing  on  PRISCILLA'S  head.) 


CURTAIN:  END  or  PLAY 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

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